Fresh water is a natural resource critical to the economic and environmental well being of all residents of the Rideau Valley. Periods of dry, hot weather and low water levels were relatively uncommon — happening every decade or so. But, with changing weather patterns, low water levels may occur more often, especially with the increasing demand for water.

The Government of Ontario has developed the Ontario Low Water Response Plan, which ensures that the province is prepared for low water conditions in the future. The response plan helps co-ordinate and support local response in the event of drought. The local teams are established in areas experiencing low water conditions so that the local community can carry out actions to reduce and better manage water use.

The Rideau Valley Water Response Team, co-ordinated by RVCA, is made up of representatives of water users: member municipalities, farmers, businesses, recreation and others. The Low Water Response Team communicates when necessary to review stream flow information and weather forecasts. Based on the information, the committee may declare a low water condition for the watershed.

Low water affects:

• municipal sources
• private wells
• lakes, rivers, ponds and all the residents in those waters
• agriculture — irrigation, watering livestock
• fire fighting
• business and industrial uses
• recreation (boating, fishing, swimming)
• personal use — drinking, washing, laundry, etc.

Members of the Rideau Watershed Low Water Response Team

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
• Parks Canada - Rideau Canal
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• Watershed municipalities

Our low flow index has four stages:

Normal

No low flow or drought conditions exist.

Minor

This category reflects concern.
80% to 60% of long-term average precipitation for 540 day and/or 90 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 5 year return period low flow.

Moderate

This category suggests a potentially serious problem is pending.
60% to 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.

Severe

This category indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand.
Less than 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.

Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements.

Links

Low Water Response Program — How the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Manages Water use During a Drought 

Tips on How To Manage your Water Well in Times of Water Shortage 

Dry Conditions and Low Water 

Tips — How to Conserve Water

• Filling wells with surface water, or potable water is not recommended. Installing a holding tank that links to a household system, and filling that with potable water is a better option.
• Removing water from streams and lakes for watering lawns or gardens may cause problems for other users.

In the yard

• Brown grass is only dormant, not dead. Grass only needs 25 mm of water each week to do well, any more can weaken the roots.
• 20 L (5 gal) of water once a week will help trees survive dry conditions.
• Don't water lawns and gardens when a municipal water shortage warning is in effect.
• If you must water, only water gardens and lawns once a week, no more than one inch in total, including rain.
• Avoid watering on windy days and water your lawn and plants in the morning — evaporation occurs at a slower rate than if you watered in the hot sun.
• Cut grass less frequently and cut grass higher as it reduces evaporation and increases moisture.
• Collect and use rainwater for your lawn and gardens — it's free and better for your plants than municipally supplied water or well water. Consider buying a rain barrel.
• Plant drought resistant plants — convert your lawns to low-care perennials.

Your car

• Don't wash your car when a municipal water shortage warning is in effect.
• Use commercial car washes that recycle their water.
• If you do wash your car, do it on the lawn. Use a bucket of soapy water and the bare minimum to rinse it off.

In the kitchen

• Rinse fruits and vegetables by putting a little water in the sink or a bowl instead of running water.
• When hand washing dishes, plug the drain and do them all at once.
• Run the dishwasher with full loads only.
• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave, not under running water.
• For cold water to drink, keep a jug in the fridge instead of running the tap.

In the bathroom

• Install a low-flush toilet or install a toilet dam in your toilet tank to reduce water use.
• Keep showers to five minutes or less.
• Consider buying a water efficient showerhead.
• If you must take a bath, fill the tub with only the amount of water really needed to clean yourself (1/4 full).
• When cleaning your teeth, don’t keep the tap running, use a glass to rinse. Rinsing a toothbrush under a tap wastes about 4,000 litres of water a year.
• Replace all leaky tap washers, they can waste more than 400 litres of water a day. Repair all leaks in pipes and toilets as well.

Laundry

• Wash clothes only when you have a full load.

Feeling the impact of a drought in the Rideau Valley? Any individuals or businesses experiencing problems due to low water are encouraged to contact the Water Response Team to help us track and understand local conditions.

Email us using the Subject: Drought Impacts.
Include the following details in your email:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number and
• comments how the drought is impacting you.