News from: May 2016

The precipitation indicator for Moderate Drought of 60% of normal was reached last Sunday. Rainfall since then has had a minimal impact and conditions remain very dry.

Flows in the Rideau River at Ottawa are at 25% of normal for the time of year. Two of the major tributary streams, Jock River and Kemptville Creek, are both flowing at about 6% of normal. The Tay River is in relatively better shape benefitting from outflow from Bobs Lake, one of the Rideau Canal reservoir lakes. Smaller streams are intermittent or dry and aquatic habitat is compromised for all species.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and its many partners gathered on June 23 to celebrate the official opening of its newest conservation area. The new Motts Mills Conservation Area is a small but beautiful site that sustains a significant piece of wetland habitat and is home to the recently decommissioned Motts Mills Dam.

“Thanks to the RVCA, Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) and many special partners, a crucial piece of wetland and local history is now protected in public ownership,” said Lyle Pederson, RVCA Chair and member of the Motts Mills Restoration Committee. “We are celebrating several achievements today and acknowledging the commitment, dedication and vision of many partners.”

With no rain until Monday in weather forecasts, it is expected that the drought status for the Rideau River watershed will pass the threshold from Minor to Moderate Severity by Sunday. The amount of rain forecast for Monday will do little to reverse the trend of deepening drought.

Flows in the Rideau River at Ottawa are 15% of normal for the time of year. Larger tributary streams are about 6% of normal and many small streams are intermittent or dry. Aquatic habitat is becoming limited for all species.

The last significant rainfall in the Rideau River watershed on June 5 caused streamflows to increase and helped crop growth, but the effect has worn off and the lack of rain since has once again left flows dropping and crops in need of more water.

Rainfall recorded at Kemptville indicates that the Moderate Drought severity has been reached in the southern parts of the watershed. However, the drought severity overall in the watershed is still Minor but is expected to reach Moderate status late next week. Forecast rain next week is not expected to have a significant impact.

Streamflows increased to about 50% of normal after the June 5 rain but have declined again to about 15% of normal for the time of year. The present flow on the Jock River is less than what is typically seen during the annual lowest flow period in early September.

Small streams will be going dry which will put stress on the various aquatic species. Lake levels in the upper half of the watershed will continue to decline which can be expected to introduce more hazards to navigation. The challenge for Parks Canada staff to balance water levels in the reservoir lakes and the Canal will be increasingly difficult.

Staff at the Perth and the Smiths Falls Drinking Water Treatment Plants are monitoring the condition of the source waters and amending treatment as necessary.

While water conservation is recommended for everyone in the watershed as a normal practise it is less critical in the urban area of Ottawa that is served by a water system that draws from the Ottawa River. Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are encouraged to reduce their actual taking as much as possible and residents on wells will need to use water conservatively. Municipalities may invoke water use bylaws and residents should find out what bylaws are in effect in their municipalities regarding water use as well as outdoor fires.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed through the Rideau Valley Water Response Team. An update of this statement will be issued on Thursday, June 23.

To learn more about Ontario’s Low Water Response program visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-responseprogram. Also, visit the RVCA website (www.rvca.ca) for local conditions.

In order that we can track impacts of the drought conditions in the watershed, we request that any individuals or businesses in the Rideau Watershed who may be experiencing difficulties with their wells please contact the Conservation Authority by calling 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504, ext. 1128 or 1132.

The 2016 Rideau Valley Conservation Authority tree planting season is complete with some 230,000 trees being planted across the watershed. RVCA is proud to be working with Forests Ontario to help deliver the province’s promise of 50 million trees by 2025.

“We saw over 90 thousand trees planted in the City of Ottawa which is quite impressive,” said Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Program Manager. “The remainder was planted throughout the upper and middle watershed thanks to our participating property owners.” The RVCA offers private landowners tree planting programs that help landowners get technical advice, planting plans and funding for trees. “We have numerous community-minded partners providing funding to projects to help reduce landowner costs,” says Scott Danford. “We offer planting programs that make it easy and affordable for landowners. At 15 cents a tree — it's a great deal.”