Cataraqui Conservation Authority issues Level 3 low water advisory

Dry grass is seen in this file image.

Another conservation authority in eastern Ontario has issued a Level 3 low water advisory.

Cataraqui Conservation said Thursday dry conditions in August prompted it to elevate the low water condition from Level 1 to Level 3 for the Cataraqui watershed. The conservation authority had issued the Level 1 advisory on Aug. 7.

Eastern Ontario has seen below-average rainfall all summer, with August being one of the driest in years, according to Environment Canada.

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“August saw some signs of improvement related to precipitation, with small rainfall events. However, on average, the region only received 46 per cent of the precipitation it would normally get,” said Cataraqui Conservation water resources technologist Mallory Wright in a news release. “As well, all inland streams which are monitored by Cataraqui Conservation and our partners saw steady declines that are well below the average flow rate for this time of year and have reached low water thresholds. Water managers are very limited in what they can do to alleviate effects without consistent or significant rainfall.”

The conservation authority says a Level 3 low water condition is the highest of three levels and reflects a water supply that fails to meet the demand if current precipitation and stream flow trends persist.

Cataraqui Conservation covers areas around Kingston, Ganaoque, and Brockville. The South Nation and Rideau Valley conservation authorities, to the north, have also issued Level 3 advisories.

Residents on groundwater systems or who draw from inland lakes or streams are asked to voluntarily conserve water by following water conservation practices:

• Reduce non-essential water uses.
• Limit outside watering of plants and lawns. If you must water your lawn, early morning or later evening watering reduces evaporation.
• Note that lawns naturally become dormant during times of low water and will recover quickly. Lawns that have turned brown from the drought are not ‘dead’. The grass has just gone dormant from lack of water. When rainfall returns, the grass will come out of dormancy and perk back up.
• Limit washing vehicles, driveways and sidewalks. Use a pail of soapy water to wash your car and rinse off quickly with a hose.
• Repair leaky plumbing or fixtures to help curtail water wastage.

Cataraqui Conservation is also urging boaters to exercise caution when out on lakes as low water conditions may expose shoals or other obstructions not visible during normal conditions.