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 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 the Township’s website for current water use restrictions and fire bans.
Residents on Private Wells:
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.
Residents serviced by the Ottawa River and St. Lawrence River are not subject to the same water supply pressures and do not need to suspend outdoor water uses. However, conservation measures are still strongly encouraged to reduce overall demand.
Duration
This Level 3 Low Water Advisory will remain in effect until further notice.
Next Steps
South Nation Conservation will continue to monitor rainfall, stream flows, and water levels across the region. Updates will be shared as conditions change.
Additional Local Information –
The Township of North Dundas receives its drinking water from 8 groundwater wells scattered across the Township. There are two types of wells, bedrock wells and esker wells. Bedrock wells get their water from underground aquifers, generally originating from surface water and precipitation that infiltrates the soil and seeps into the ground, bedrock wells are confined aquifers meaning their require a more distant source of recharge. An esker well has an unconfined aquifer which regenerates directly from rainfall, snowmelt, and other surface sources.
The lack of precipitation noted over the course of the past few months by South Nation Conservation Authority impacts the ability of both water source types to adequately recharge and supply more water.
Township of North Dundas staff are working diligently with local partners to further conserve, protect, and secure the Water Supply in North Dundas.