Below normal rainfall over the past 6 months is continuing to bring very dry conditions to the Trent River Valley. As a result, a Level 2 Low Water Condition remains in effect for most of the watershed region, an area stretching from Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake. In the northeastern section of the watershed, a Level 3 Low Water Condition continues for the Township of Stirling-Rawdon and the Municipality of Centre Hastings (see map).
Based on data from Environment Canada’s Trenton station, the average precipitation totals for April through September have been 60% of normal. August has been the only month in which the region received above normal precipitation. The other five months have received between 30 and 60% of normal monthly totals. Areas to the north and east of Trenton have received less rain.
“September, October and November are typically the wettest months of the year. We need above normal precipitation through the rest of the fall to replenish stream flows and groundwater levels,” says Janet Noyes, Manager – Watershed Science & Services.
Levels on streams and creeks continue to be well below normal with the most severe low flows being recorded on Squires/Hoards, Rawdon, and Butler Creeks, ranging from 15 to 49% of normal respectively.
“We continue to receive new reports from people with wells going dry. We urge individuals with low well water levels to investigate alternate water systems, such as a temporary outdoor storage tanks or permanent underground cisterns,” adds Noyes.
To assist with tracking the impacts of the drought, Lower Trent Conservation is encouraging individuals or businesses who are experiencing problems or hardships as a result of the dry conditions to contact them at 613-394-4829 or information@ltc.on.ca.
Lower Trent Conservation encourages everyone to make a conscious effort to conserve water. Non-essential water uses such as lawn watering, car washing, etc. should be suspended until natural water supplies recover.
Water is a shared resource. While one homeowner may have an abundant water supply, excessive water use could be drawing down groundwater aquifers that could impact nearby wells.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition was declared on June 3rd, upgraded to Level 2 on July 4th and upgraded to Level 3 for the northeastern portion of the watershed region on September 1st.
The Ontario Low Water Response Program was developed by the Province to help coordinate and support local response in the event of a prolonged period of low stream flows or precipitation. There are three levels of Low Water Conditions with Level 1 being the least severe and Level 3 being the most severe.
Lower Trent Conservation will continue to monitor conditions and will provide updates as conditions change. To learn more about Ontario’s Low Water Response program visit our website at www.ltc.on.ca.
