Otonabee Conservation is monitoring local watershed conditions as the area continues to experience hot, dry weather.
“The watershed region received below normal precipitation amounts in June, and during the first two weeks of July precipitation has been 25% of normal. This lack of precipitation has caused stream flows to decline as well,” says Dan Marinigh, Chief Administrative Officer for Otonabee Conservation.
Marinigh explains that Jackson Creek, which flows through the city of Peterborough, has declined to 47% of normal flow for this time of year. Stream flows through rural areas of the watershed, where there is typically more wetland and vegetative cover, fared better in June than the urbanized watercourses but are also showing declines.
“Looking ahead, the watershed region will need to receive no less than 90% of normal rainfall for the month of July to keep from slipping into drought conditions,” says Marinigh. “Water is a shared resource and we all have a part to play in water conservation.”
Otonabee Conservation suggests that water conservation become part of a person’s daily routine and offers the following water conservation tips:
- Reduce by watering wisely and adhere to municipal watering restrictions that may apply
- Repair leaks in the bathroom or kitchen promptly
- Retrofit fixtures to more water-efficient standards
Download the water conservation fact sheet