To: Watershed News Media
Date: September 13, 2007
Kingston - A Level I low water condition has been declared for the Cataraqui Region extending from Napanee to Brockville and north to Crosby, covering 3,500 sq. km.
"This follows an August that saw less than 40 per cent of the normal rainfall and a dry start to September," explains Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) Watershed Management Coordinator Mara Shaw.
"Streams across the region are quite low, even for late summer. The long-term Environment Canada forecast is for continued above average temperatures and below average precipitation through the fall," she adds. "Water levels in many shallow groundwater wells are below average for the time of year and Lake Ontario is below its average September level."
A Level I low water condition is the first of three levels and reflects concern. Level II suggests a potentially serious problem. Level III indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Levels I and II rely on voluntary conservation. A Level III declaration, never proclaimed in Ontario, triggers mandatory conservation measures by the province on the basis of local water response team recommendations.
Low water conditions are determined by the Cataraqui Region Water Response Team convened by the CRCA. Membership includes water managers, major water users, public health, agriculture, school boards, marina operators, golf courses, government agencies, dam operators and others.
The team is asking residents and businesses of the region to reduce water usage by 10 per cent until the supply is replenished.
The team convenes as necessary to evaluate a range of water data including precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, lake levels and forecasts. Its next meeting is September 26.
The authority of a water response team does not supersede that of existing agencies, policies or laws. Its responsibility is to coordinate action and advocate for water conservation.
For more information call:
Mara Shaw
Watershed Management Coordinator (613) 546-4228 ext. 228
Click here for water conservation tips.