Low Water and Droughts

• Monthly precipitation amounts are above 80% of the long-term normal values
• River flows are more than 70% of their normal summer low flow

Level 1 signals the early signs of potential drought and focuses on water conservation. Water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10%.

• Level 1 is declared when 3-month precipitation amounts are less then 80% of the long-term average precipitation.

Level 2 reflects a increased likelihood of a drought, with more prolonged water shortages that may require stronger voluntary or mandatory measures. Municipal by-laws and regulations may be issued for effected areas.

• Level 2 is declared when 3-month precipitation amounts are less then 60% of the long-term average precipitation.

Level 3 indicates a high likelihood of drought, where water supply does not meet the water demand, but does not imply an emergency.

• Level 3 is declared when 3-month precipitation amounts are less then 40% of the long-term average precipitation.

• You can subscribe to receive Low Water Condition messages for Kawartha Conservation watershed.
• To see the province-wide conditions you can visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry web-page.
• Check if your municipality has a water restriction in effect.

Implementing water conservation practices in and around your home reduces demand on local water supplies and supports the long-term health of our watershed, particularly during periods of low water.

• Fix leaking fixtures. A tap leaking can waste over 10,000 litres per year!
• Practice water-efficient lawn care. To reduce evaporation loss, water your lawn very early in the morning. Visit our Healthy Gardens page for more information and helpful tips.
• Use a rain barrel.
• Use a rain gauge to tell you when your lawn has received enough water. Approximately an inch (2.5 cm) a week, depending on your soil type, is enough.
• Plant native flower gardens. They are well suited to the climate and need little or no watering.
• Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge. This way you avoid leaving the tap running until the water gets cold.
• When waiting for tap water to get hot or cold, collect the water in a watering can for your plants.
• Using a dishwasher can be more efficient than washing dishes by hand, as long as you wait until you have a full load.
• Wash vegetables in a basin or partly filled sink – not under running water.
• When hand washing dishes in a two-sink basin, fill one with soapy water and the other with rinse water. It saves running the tap for each dish.
• Reduce your shower time – five minutes is plenty of time to get clean.
• Wash your car less frequently- especially during hot dry weather. This will also keep pollutants out of storm drains, which empty into our lakes and rivers.

Additional information is provided by the province about water shortages for private wells

The Suggested Actions For Major Water Use Sectors chart shows how different types of waters can reduce their water consumption at each level.

• Managing your water well in times of water shortage - Government of Ontario
• Dry Conditions and Low Water Resources Page - OMAFRA 
• Monthly Rainfall Data - Agricorp
• Water Conservation Tips for Inside your Home
• Water Conservation Tips for Outside your Home
• Water Conservation Tips for Farmers
• Managing your Well in times of Low Water
• H2O - Now I get it