Mississippi River Watershed Improves to Level II Low Water Advisory – November 21, 2025

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority 

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

This Low Water Statement is an update to the Statement issued September 25, 2025.

Watershed conditions: 

Precipitation indicators in the lower Mississippi watershed have considerably improved due to recent rainfall and snowfall amounts. Precipitation over the past 90 days has recovered above 80% of the long-term seasonal average and conditions have further improved in the last 30 days, with precipitation recovering to 100% of the seasonal norm. Precipitation in the upper Mississippi watershed remains below average at approximately 60% for the past 90 days and 40% for the last 30 days.

Streamflow in the Mississippi River has generally recovered to above 50% of long-term historical average with the exception of a few tributaries that are still recovering.

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

Actions: 

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is asking 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.

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.

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

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 Water Management, 613-253-0006 ext. 248, Water-management@mvc.on.ca

More resources:

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks:

www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

Ontario’s Low Water Response program:

www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program