Watershed Conditions Statement – Mississippi River Watershed Levels Return to Normal – January 16, 2026

From Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

This Low Water Statement is an update to the statement issued December 19, 2025.

Watershed conditions: Low water conditions have subsided across the watershed following a return to seasonally normal rainfall and snowfall amounts over the past several months. Short-term and seasonal precipitation indicators have returned to average levels, and streamflows have recovered to normal thresholds. As a result of these improvements, watershed conditions are considered to have returned to normal.

Groundwater recharge has also improved, supported by milder temperatures that have allowed recent snowmelt and rainfall to infiltrate. No reports of dry or depleted wells have been received in recent weeks, indicating a recovery from impacts experienced during the summer. However, residents who rely on well water are still encouraged to use water efficiently to support continued localized groundwater recharge.

Looking ahead, current forecasts indicate that January is on track to receive sufficient precipitation to help sustain these improving conditions and support continued recovery across the watershed.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River watershed have improved to normal conditions in accordance with the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

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

Low Water Response Program Status