Low Water Advisories in Area

With a significant lack of rainfall in the region in 2025, and continued forecast projecting little relief, the two Conservation Authorities in our region have both declared Low Water Advisories. 

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) has declared a Level 2 Water Advisory, while the South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) has declared a Level 3 Water Advisory. See what these mean to you below. 

Raisin Region Conservation Authority Jurisdiction

After meeting with its Water Response Team, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) confirmed on September 18, 2025, that it was upgrading the RRCA jurisdiction’s Low Water status to Level 2 and encouraging local water users to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 20 percent. The RRCA first declared a Level 1 Low Water status on August 12.

The move to Level 2 was prompted by data records indicating that, as of September 18, local precipitation for the past three months had fallen to approximately 60 percent of what the region normally receives this time of year.

RRCA’s Water Response Team consists of local representatives from municipal and provincial governments and other interest-holders. The Team discussed reports of dry, private residential wells and observations of dried-up streams not typically dry this time of year.

To help the RRCA better understand the impacts of this year’s weather, residents experiencing difficulties with their own water supplies are invited to contact the RRCA through a brief online feedback form at www.rrca.on.ca/LowWater.

South Nation Conservation Authority Jurisdiction 

South Nation Conservation’s Water Response Team has declared a Level 3 (Severe) Low Water Advisory for the South Nation Conservation Jurisdiction.

Level 3 conditions indicate that water supply no longer meets demand in certain regions and ongoing drought conditions are putting increased pressure on surface and groundwater supplies. Under this advisory, all water users are asked to reduce water use and suspend non-essential water uses until natural supplies begin to recover.

Current Conditions:

Rainfall across the jurisdiction has been well below normal. In a typical 30-day period, the area receives 80 to 90 mm of rain during summer months. Recently, only 15 to 17 mm has been recorded, which is less than 20% of the usual amount. Low rainfall has contributed to reduced stream flows in the South Nation River Watershed, with many headwater tributaries going
completely dry.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s short-term forecast indicates mostly seasonal temperatures with minor rainfall amounts of 8 to 16 mm possible on Thursday. This amount will not be enough to replenish
water supply.  

Recommended Actions:

All water users, including municipalities, residents, businesses, and farmers, are being asked to reduce water use, including the suspension of all outdoor non-essential water use.

If you hold a Permit to Take Water, reduce your water takings as much as possible. During low flow conditions, surface water takings can significantly impact water availability.

Residents should check their municipality’s website for current water use restrictions and fire bans.

Residents on Private Wells:

If you use a private groundwater well, please use water carefully to help protect the underground water supply (aquifer) your well depends on.

• If you are having problems with your well water supply, contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Wells Help Desk: ontario.ca/wells-your-property.
• Never put water down a well—this can damage the well and contaminate groundwater.
• Contact licensed contractors to complete work on wells: ontario.ca/licenced-well-contractors.
• Bulk water haulage services provide water and storage tank rentals.  

Water Conservation

For more information about water conservation in South Stormont, including how to save on your water bills, detect leaks, and managing water in your private well systems visit our Water Conservation page below.