Low Water Response

Below normal rainfall and warm weather can result in low streamflows and groundwater levels. This can impact municipal water supplies, the amount of water available for agriculture and industry, and ecosystem health.

In the late 1990s, an extended period of drought in Ontario prompted the Province to develop the Ontario Low Water Response Plan (OLWR). The OLWR is a mitigation program under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and is intended to ensure provincial preparedness and to support local response in the event of a drought.

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, helps to coordinate and support local response in the event of a drought as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

A watershed is considered to be in drought conditions if it is experiencing:

Below normal levels of precipitation over either short or long-term periods
Stream flows are at minimum levels required to sustain aquatic life

Levels of Low Water Conditions

When low water conditions exist in the watershed, SVCA will issue a low water advisory that encourages water users to voluntarily reduce their water consumption. SVCA issues three types of low water advisories. Active low water advisories are shown by the low water status indicator on the homepage of our website.

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Normal

Conditions are within normal limits.

Level 1 - The first indication of a water supply problem.

Indicators

Monthly rainfall amounts are less than 80% of the historical averages and/or;
Streamflows are less than 70% of the lowest average summer flow.

Actions

Water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 10%.

Level 2: Indicates potential for serious water supply problems.

Indicators

Monthly rainfall amounts are less than 60% of the historical averages and/or;
Streamflows are less than 50% of the lowest average summer flow.

Actions

Conservation and restrictions on non-essential use.
Water users will be asked to reduce water usage by 20% or greater.

Level 3: Indicates failure of water supply to meet the demand.

Results in progressively more severe and widespread socioeconomic effects and/or significant harm to the ecosystem.

Indicators

Monthly rainfall amounts are less than 40% of the historical averages and/or;
Streamflows are less than 30% of the lowest average summer flow.

Actions

The key focus is on regulation and enforcement by the Province.

Water Response Team

The Water Response Team is called upon when Level 3 drought conditions exist. The Team consists of agriculture, industry and business, recreation, and government representatives from the Saugeen Valley watershed. The team assesses precipitation and streamflow conditions during drought conditions and decides on the appropriate level of action(s).

Response or actions could range from news bulletins that advocate water conservation, to making recommendations to the province concerning water allocations and water use restrictions.