The drought status in the Rideau River watershed is being downgraded to “Moderate” because recent precipitation has generally increased flows in area streams.
Kemptville Creek flows are about 130% of the historical average, or normal, for the time of year as a result of October rain and November snowmelt. Other recorded streamflows are above 60% of normal which has led to the downgrade of the drought status. However, the Tay River out of Bobs Lake has not had the same precipitation and is at only 10% of the normal flow. This indicates that the drought is not fully over despite there being snow on the ground. Some of the smallest streams in the upper watershed still have minimal flows.
All watershed residents are encouraged to continue to conserve water. With the onset of cold weather and reduced recharge of groundwater, residents who take from wells could still find low supplies of water.
Along with the four Rideau Canal reservoir lakes, levels on the other lakes in the watershed have also had lower levels than residents are used to through the year. A threat to boat navigation through the summer, rocks and shoals that were exposed with the low water levels will be a threat to snowmobilers once icesheets are established.
Relevant information sources are as follows:
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Ontario’s Low Water Response program
Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels
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 by email (instructions at http://www.rvca.ca/low_water/index.html ). There is also the Drought Impacts Map application on the RVCA website under Watershed Conditions.
Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed through the Rideau Valley Low Water Response Team. An update to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.
