Water Conservation | Township of South Stormont

Water Conservation Advisory

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) has declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition, while the South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) has escalated to a Level 2 Low Water Advisory.

These declarations reflect a significant drop in rainfall and stream flows across our region, with some tributaries running completely dry.

As of August 10, precipitation in the RRCA watershed was just 72% of the seasonal average, and the SNC reports less than 10 mm of rainfall expected over the next week, with daytime temperatures soaring between 25°C and 33°C.

In response, Township of South Stormont is urging all residents to take immediate steps to conserve water. These dry conditions are placing stress on our local water systems, and your cooperation is essential to protect our shared resources.

Water Conservation Tips

How to Conserve Water Indoors

Fix leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes—one drip can waste thousands of litres annually.
Install low-flow fixtures like showerheads and faucet aerators.
Turn off taps while brushing teeth or shaving.
Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Reuse greywater (where permitted) for flushing toilets or watering plants.

How to Conserve Water Outdoors

Water early or late to reduce evaporation.
Use rain barrels to collect water for gardens and lawns.
Sweep, don’t spray driveways and sidewalks.
Choose native or drought-resistant plants that require less watering.
Check irrigation systems for leaks and avoid watering during windy conditions.

Lawn Watering Schedule

To reduce strain on the municipal water system, we are asking residents to voluntarily follow the recommendations in the Township’s Water Regulation By-law

Even-numbered civic addresses → Water lawns only on even-numbered calendar days
Odd-numbered civic addresses → Water lawns only on odd-numbered calendar days

This schedule helps balance water demand and ensures fair access for all residents.

Why Water Conservation Matters

Water conservation is critical during drought conditions. It helps:

Prevent water shortages for drinking, sanitation, and firefighting
Protect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife
Support agriculture and food production
Reduce energy costs for water treatment and pumping

The RRCA recommends a 10% voluntary reduction in water use, while the SNC urges a 20% reduction for all non-essential uses. These small changes can make a big difference.

Resources

For the most up-to-date information on watershed conditions and notices, head over to the Conservation Authority pages for your location.

South Nation Conservation Authority

Raisin Region Conservation Authority

Managing Your Well in Times of Low Water

Low water conditions are slow to occur and caused by a combination of factors such as lack of rain, high temperatures and increased demand for water.

Low water conditions can be a stressful time for rural homeowners who rely on private wells as aquifiers cannot be easily seen or monitored and can become depleted when more water is pumped out of it than is replenished by rainfall or other sources.

Indications that the well may go dry

Drop in water pressure
Water that looks cloudy or dirty
Air bubbles in your water
No water at all

Wells that are more susceptible to failing during drought conditions

Dug wells
Wells located near topographical high points
Shallow bedrock wells
Wells constructed in areas where bedrock is close to the ground surface

Always be sure to monitor your pump. If your pump is cycling on and off, or sucking air, turn it off and call a licensed well contractor.

It is important to always contact a licensed well contractor to have your pump and pressure system checked or to fix any issues relating to your well.

Reporting a Dry Well

For residents who are within the Rasin Region Conservation Authority jurisdiction, you can report a dry well here: RRCA Low Water Response: Water user feedback form

For residents who are within the South Nation Conservation jurisdiction, you can report a dry well here: info@nation.on.ca

If you are unsure which conservation authority jurisdiction you are in, please see the maps below.

Conservation Authority Watershed Jurisdictions

South Nation Conservation Watershed Jurisdiction

Raisin Region Conservation Watershed Jurisdiction