Mississippi River Watershed Conditions Statement – Low Water Advisory: Moderate (Level 2) - September 5, 2025

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River Watershed have reached Level II (Moderate) Low Water threshold under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Level II Low Water – Indicates a potentially serious problem. Conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses.

Watershed Conditions: June through August experienced below-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures, resulting in increasingly dry conditions across the Mississippi River Watershed. Over the past 90 days, rainfall across the watershed has remained below 80% of the long-term seasonal average. Conditions have deteriorated further in the last 30 days, with rainfall falling to less than 40% of the seasonal norm. This has resulted in a sustained decline in streamflow; less than 50% of the lowest average summer monthly flow in some areas along the main channel of the Mississippi River and 30% in several tributaries. Water levels across the system remain significantly below average and reservoir capacities are increasingly constrained.

Actions: The MVCA is encouraging all water users that are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network to reduce their water consumption by 20% to help mitigate the impacts of the low water conditions. MVCA is advising the general public to use extreme caution while out on waterways for recreational purposes (swimming, boating).

Permit holders drawing water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual water takings as much as possible during this time. All residents are strongly encouraged to conserve water by using rain barrels for watering lawns and gardens, and by avoiding the use of pressure washers on houses, driveways, decks, and fences. 

Please consult your municipality’s website for up-to-date information on local water use restrictions. Residents across the Mississippi Valley Watershed should stay informed about any watering bans, fire bans, or municipal bylaws currently in effect.

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

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

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:

            MVCA Duty Officer

            613-220-8462

            Water-management@mvc.on.ca

More Resources:

City of Ottawa: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/water-utility-bills/water-conservation

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

Ontario’s Low Water Response program:
www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program