Mississippi River Watershed Conditions Statement – Low Water Advisory

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River watershed have reached Level I Low Water threshold under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Level I Low Water: First indication of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level. Key focus is conservation of water.

Watershed conditions

June and July experienced below-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures, resulting in dry conditions throughout the Mississippi River Watershed. Over the past 90 days, recorded rainfall across the watershed has fallen under 80% of the long-term seasonal average. Conditions have worsened in the last 30 days, with rainfall dropping to under 50% of the seasonal norm. Looking ahead, the 7-day forecast predicts less than 10 mm of rainfall, while daytime high temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 35°C across the region.

Actions

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is encouraging all water users that are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network to reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of the low water conditions.

Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual taking as much as possible. Residents are also urged to use water conservatively by using rain barrels to water lawns and gardens and avoid using pressure washers to clean houses, driveways, decks and fences. Please check your municipality’s website for current water usage restrictions.  All residents throughout the Mississippi Valley watershed should be aware of any bans or bylaws that may be in place in their municipalities regarding watering or fire bans.  

MVCA staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed.

This message is in effect until an update has been issued.

Low Water Response Program status

• Normal – Water levels are within acceptable parameters.
• Level I – First indication of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level. Key focus is conservation of water.
• Level II – Indicates a potentially serious problem. Conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses.
• Level III – Indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Key focus is on regulation and enforcement.

For more information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at https://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/. For more information, contact: MVCA Duty Officer at 613-220-8462 or email water-management@mvc.on.ca