Eastern Ontario conservation authorities warn of low water levels

The Mississippi River in Carleton Place, Ont., July 21, 2025. (Camille Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

Conservation authorities in eastern Ontario are advising residents of early signs of low water levels across multiple watersheds in the region.

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority and the South Nation Conservation Authority have all identified a “Level 1 – Minor” low water status in their regions.

Low precipitation levels and hot weather are contributing to lower water levels across eastern Ontario.

According to Environment Canada, 48 millimetres of rain was recorded at the Ottawa airport in July, below the monthly average of 89 mm.

There is little to no precipitation in Environment Canada’s seven-day forecast for Ottawa for the first week of August.

Conservation authorities are asking people in affected areas, who are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network, to reduce water usage by 10 per cent.

Affected areas include:

• Carp River watershed
• Kemptville Creek subwatershed
• Jock River subwatershed
• Lower Rideau subwatershed
• South Nation Conservation jurisdiction

Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual taking as much as possible. Residents are also urged to use water conservatively by using rain barrels to water lawns and gardens and avoid using pressure washers to clean houses, driveways, decks and fences.

Residents are also asked to check with their local municipality for guidance, the conservation authorities say.

In mid-July, the Town of Carleton Place had issued a limit on water use because of high demand. The notice has since eased, but residents are still asked to conserve water where possible.

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