We’ve had a bit of rain as of late, but Conservation Halton is saying not enough.
Conservation Halton says a Level I Low Water Condition has been issued for the area. This is due to extended dry conditions with below average rainfall over the previous three months.
Conservation Halton assesses precipitation and streamflow conditions at selected long term monitoring stations located across the jurisdiction over 30 and 90-day periods to determine low water status. If you think we’ve had less rain than normal, you’d be correct. Between May and July, the watershed received below 80% of the normal precipitation for this time of year. Drier conditions are expected to continue through August according to recent weather forecasts. Most of the streamflow stations are currently below the lowest recorded summer monthly average streamflow and are also expected to remain below average as the dry weather persists.
Under the Level I Low Water Condition, water users in the Conservation Halton watershed are asked to voluntarily conserve water with the aim of reducing overall consumption by 10%. The Low Water Condition is based on criteria set by the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF). Water users that rely on municipal sources are reminded to follow any water conservation measures as prescribed by Halton Region or their local municipality. Additional information can be found here.
Low water conditions are especially important for surface water takers and shallow well users. For residents experiencing problems with their shallow wells, information is available through the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) here.
Under the Ontario Low Water Response Program, residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water by voluntarily reducing non-essential uses, both at home and at work, to help achieve a 10% reduction in overall water use.
Conservation Halton offers the following water conservation tips to help reduce water usage:
- Adhere to regional/municipal watering restrictions that may apply.
- Reduce non-essential water use.
- Make use of water storage (e.g., use rain barrels to water gardens).
- Withdraw water more slowly over a longer period of time (e.g., reduce pumping rate and time of day).
- Schedule surface water withdrawals with neighboring water takers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow conditions to determine if further water restrictions will be necessary throughout the summer months.
This Level I Low Water Condition will remain in effect until further notice.
