Pictured: Morrison Dam, which is within the ABCA's watershed | Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s Water Response Team has declared a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for the entire watershed area. The decision comes after a very dry July, with only about half the normal rainfall. This has caused streamflows to drop sharply, and some larger creeks have stopped flowing altogether.
While some areas have recently seen rain, experts say streamflows will likely stay low or drop further unless August brings above-normal rainfall. Christie Brown, ABCA Water Resources Technologist, said that many areas have not had measurable runoff in more than a month. Warm summer temperatures and ground cover mean less rainwater is available to keep streams flowing.
Water Response Team Chair Ray Chartrand is asking everyone to help by conserving water. During a Level 1 Advisory, the goal is to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 per cent to protect water levels through the summer.
The Water Response Team monitors precipitation and streamflow data to decide when advisories are needed. Level 2 calls for a 20 per cent voluntary reduction, while Level 3 could bring mandatory restrictions. The team was created in 2001 after severe drought conditions and includes representatives from agriculture, industry, recreation, municipalities, and provincial ministries.
ABCA will continue to track conditions and update the public. More information, including water-saving tips, can be found at abca.ca or ontario.ca/lowwater.