Information provided by South Nation Conservation.
South Nation Conservation Declares a Level 2 Low Water Advisory
August 11, 2025
The Water Response Team for the South Nation Conservation jurisdiction has approved moving from a Level 1 (Minor) Low Water Condition (declared August 1, 2025) to a Level 2 (Moderate) Low Water Condition for the South Nation River Watershed. Level 2 (Moderate) conditions indicate minor supply issues have been observed. Under this Low Water Advisory, all water users are being requested to reduce non-essential water use by 20%.
Current Conditions:
Recorded rainfall over the past 30 to 90 days has fallen well below the long-term seasonal average. Low rainfall has contributed to reduced stream flows in the South Nation River Watershed, with many headwater tributaries going completely dry.
The 7-day weather forecast is calling for less than 10 mm of rainfall across the jurisdiction, with hot daytime temperatures between 25°C and 33°C expected through the week.
Recommended Actions:
All water users, including municipalities, residents, businesses, and farmers, are being asked to reduce water use by 20% for non-essential uses.
Ways to conserve water:
• Check your municipality’s website for any current watering restrictions or fire bans.
• Avoid pressure washing homes, driveways, and decks.
• Limit or delay non-essential outdoor watering; if needed, water only in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
If you hold a Permit to Take Water, reduce your water takings as much as possible.
It should be noted that the Township of North Dundas has issued an outdoor water use ban for all users who are connected to the municipal water system.
The requested water use reduction does not apply to residents of urban Ottawa because the City of Ottawa central drinking water system draws from the Ottawa River.
Duration: This Low Water Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Next Steps:
South Nation Conservation will continue to monitor rainfall, stream flows, and water levels across the region. Updates will be shared as conditions change.
South Nation Conservation Contact:
Kat Watson, Coordinator, Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans kwatson@nation.on.ca | 1-877-984-2948
Information provided by South Nation Conservation.
South Nation Conservation Declares a Level I Low Water Advisory
August 1, 2025
Conditions across the South Nation Conservation jurisdiction have reached the Level I Low Water threshold under Ontario’s Low Water Response Program. This is the first sign that water supply could become a concern. Level 1 results in a request for a voluntary 10 per cent reduction in water use by all water users.
Current Conditions:
Recorded rainfall over the past 90 days has fallen under 80% of the long-term seasonal average, placing the area below the threshold for Level I Low Water. Low rainfall has contributed to reduced stream flows, with many local watercourses experiencing flows that have also reached Level 1 Low Water thresholds.
The 7-day weather forecast is calling for less than 5 mm of rainfall across the jurisdiction, with hot daytime temperatures between 26°C and 31°C expected through the week.
Recommended Actions:
All water users, including municipalities, residents, businesses, and farmers, are being asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 10%.
Ways to conserve water:
• Check your municipality’s website for any current watering restrictions or fire bans.
• Use rain barrels to water lawns and gardens.
• Avoid pressure washing homes, driveways, and decks.
• Limit or delay non-essential outdoor watering; if needed, water only in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
If you hold a Permit to Take Water, reduce your water takings as much as possible.
Duration: This Low Water Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Next Steps: SNC will meet with the jurisdiction’s Water Response Team, which is made up of representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture and special interest groups, to discuss the effects of low water and whether additional measures are needed.
South Nation Conservation will continue to monitor rainfall, stream flows, and water levels across the region. Updates will be shared as conditions change.
South Nation Conservation Contact: Kat Watson, Coordinator, Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans kwatson@nation.on.ca | 1-877-984-2948