A “Minor” Drought Condition has been declared by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) for the Cataraqui Region extending from Napanee to Brockville and north to Newboro, covering 3,500 square kilometres.
“We’ve seen less than 50 per cent of the normal amount of rainfall over April and May, and stream flows are at approximately 25 per cent of average flows for this time of year, and already near summer low flows,” explained CRCA Water Resources Engineer, Sean Watt.
Lake levels are currently around normal for this time of year, but with the forecast of a warmer summer if lack of rainfall continues the lake levels will fall, causing potential problems with navigation, water intakes, and moorings. The current long-term forecast is for an average amount of
precipitation and, if that occurs, stream flows and lake levels should also remain close to normal.
Residents are already noticing low creek flows (and creeks drying up earlier than normal) and agricultural fields that are drying out quickly.
A “Minor” drought condition is the first of three levels and reflects concern. “Moderate” suggests a potentially serious problem. “Severe” indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand.
Low water conditions are determined by the Cataraqui Region Water Response Team convened by the CRCA. Membership includes water managers, major water users, public health, agriculture, school boards, marina operators, golf courses, government agencies, dam operators and others.
The team is asking residents and businesses of the region to be wary of water usage, and try to conserve water usage where they can; this includes the outside watering of plants and lawns, and washing driveways and sidewalks.
The CRCA will continue to monitor conditions, and will provide updates as conditions change.
