With frequent and above normal precipitation receipts over the past several weeks, water levels and flows in local rivers, streams and creeks are starting to rebound, leading the Otonabee Region Water Response Team to lift the Level 1 low water condition, which was first declared on August 2, 2018.
Dan Marinigh, Chief Administrative Officer for Otonabee Conservation and a member of the Team, explains the changes in watershed conditions that prompted the Water Response Team to cancel the Level 1 status.
In summary:
- Relief from moisture deficits began in the last week of September and continued throughout October;
- Rainfall during the month of October totalled 86.7 mm (normal is 76.9 mm)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada meteorological stations in Peterborough reported frequent rainfall events totalling 41 mm and 50 mm for the first 11 days of November; normal rainfall for the month of November is 86 mm; and,
- Stream flows in both Jackson Creek and the Ouse River have improved above the Level 1 drought thresholds in response to October’s rainfall and continue to show further improvement in response to November’s rainfall.
Marinigh says that while the Level 1 low water condition has been lifted, water conservation, as part of a daily routine, is a good practice. He suggests that as the colder months approach, there are a few things that homeowners can do to conserve water and help lower overall household costs.
Marinigh suggests the following water conservation actions:
- Winterize outdoor spigots (water pipes) to ensure that they don’t burst;
- Insulate hot water pipes in unheated areas;
- Repair leaks in the bathroom or kitchen promptly;
- Use an aerator and/or water flow reducer in your sink faucet; and,
- Install water-efficient appliances.
Otonabee Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and make a determination of low water conditions based on the available temperature, precipitation, and streamflow data.
The Otonabee Region Water Response Team includes representatives from local municipalities, water management agencies, tourism and agriculture, provincial and federal agencies, First Nations and Otonabee Conservation.
Learn more about Ontario’s Low Water Response Program.
Fore more information about the low water response in the Otonabee Region watershed, please refer to the Low Water Conditions and Drought page.