Low Water Advisory Level 1 for Ausable R watershed
Water Response Team issues Level 1 Low Water Advisory for Ausable River watershed
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Water Response Team (WRT) has declared a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for the Ausable River watershed due to below-normal precipitation and declining streamflow conditions.
July was significantly drier than normal across the affected watershed, with only about half of the expected monthly rainfall received. The prolonged period of hot, dry weather resulted in continued declines in streamflow and increasing pressure on local water resources.
Recent rainfall has provided some localized relief but has not been enough to substantially improve overall conditions. Without sustained, above-normal rainfall through August, streamflow levels are expected to remain below seasonal levels and could continue to decline, according to Christie Brown, ABCA Water Resources Technologist.
“While the recent rainfall was certainly welcome and provided a temporary boost to streamflow levels, it was not enough to overcome the ongoing dry conditions,” said Brown. “We need sustained, widespread rainfall to help recharge the watershed and support lasting improvements in streamflow conditions.”
Water Response Team Chair Ray Chartrand said everyone has a role to play in protecting local water resources. As part of a Level 1 Low Water Advisory, the WRT is asking all water users to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10 per cent. “By working together and taking simple conservation measures, we can help reduce pressure on our streams and groundwater supplies,” he said.
Simple actions, such as reducing lawn watering, watering during the cooler parts of the day, and using rain barrels, can make a meaningful difference. Longer-term measures, such as installing rain gardens and other water-wise landscaping features, can also help improve the watershed’s resilience to dry conditions. For more water conservation tips, visit the water quantity web page.
The Water Response Team uses precipitation and streamflow indicators to guide Low Water Advisory decisions. Indicators include one-month streamflow and one-month or three-month precipitation. A Level 1 Low Water Advisory calls for a 10 per cent voluntary reduction in water use. A Level 2 Low Water Advisory calls for an additional 10 per cent (total of 20 per cent) voluntary reduction in water use. A Level 3 Low Water Advisory may involve mandatory water use restrictions.
The Water Response Team was formed in 2001 in response to the low water and drought conditions that year and the team has been active ever since. The WRT includes representatives of major water users (such as aggregate industries; agriculture and vegetable growers; and golf and recreation) and includes local municipal representatives and staff of provincial ministries (such as Natural Resources; Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; and Environment, Conservation and Parks).
ABCA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions.
Visit www.ontario.ca/lowwater for further resources on the Ontario Low Water Program or the Low Water Advisory web page for current low water advisories.