The Otonabee Region Water Response Team met on August 18th, to review the Region’s precipitation, temperature, and stream flow monitoring data. Despite the recent limited precipitation, an analysis of watershed conditions indicate that the area is not in a drought condition at this time and therefore the low water status will remain as normal.
In July, meteorological stations reported abnormally low precipitation receipts with levels that were 72% of normal at the Peterborough Airport station and 75% of normal at the Trent University station. Other seasonal rain gauges throughout the Region showed similar results.
Despite the low levels of precipitation in July, the 3-month precipitation receipts recorded at Peterborough Airport and Trent University stations indicate no short-term moisture deficits due to the surplus moisture received in June. 18-month precipitation levels indicate that long-term moisture is not an issue in the Region.
Streamflow across the Region is reported as below normal with an exception of Jackson Creek, where flow rates were below 70% (the Level 1 Low Water Condition threshold).
“July was drier than normal and Jackson Creek flows were lower than we would normally expect during July, but this is insufficient evidence to warrant a change from the existing normal condition to a Level 1 Low Water Condition.”
Water Resources Technologist, Otonabee Conservation | Gordon Earle
Otonabee Conservation will continue to analyse watershed conditions. The Otonabee Region Water Response Team, with representatives from local municipalities, water management agencies, the community, provincial and federal agencies, and Otonabee Conservation, will continue to monitor and review the situation. The Team will meet early in September to review August’s conditions and will issue an advisory if there are any changes to the status.
More information on the Low Water Response Program is available on the Otonabee Conservation website at otonabeeconservation.com.
For more information contact:
Janette Loveys Smith | CAO\Secretary-Treasurer
Otonabee Conservation
jsmith@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-3238 x222