Low Water Conditions and Drought

Drought occurs slowly as a result of lack of rain, high temperatures and increased water use.

The Ontario Low Water Response Program helps prepare the province and municipalities to respond if a drought occurs. Local municipalities, water management agencies, tourism, recreation, and agriculture sectors, provincial and federal agencies, First Nations, and Otonabee Conservation work together as the local Water Response Team.

Otonabee Conservation uses precipitation and stream flow information to identify low water conditions. The different levels of Low Water Conditions include:

Learn about ways to conserve water on this Fact Sheet.

Normal

Residents and business are always encouraged to conserve water. Continued wise use of water has environmental and economic benefits.

  Normal conditions indicated in green  

 

Early indication of a potential drought.
Water users encouraged to reduce water consumption by 10%.

  Level 1 Low Water Status indicated in yellow  

 

Increased likelihood of drought. Potential for minor water supply issues.
Water users encouraged to reduce their water consumption by 20%.

  Level 2 Low Water Status indicated in orange  

 

High likelihood of drought conditions but does not imply an emergency.
Increased potential that water supply does not meet water demand.
Water users encouraged to reduce their water consumption by 30%.

  Level 3 Low Water Status indicated in red  

 

Information is available from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs about the impacts of low water on agricultural activities.

Information from the province is available about water shortages for private wells.

How to reduce the amount of water you use

Replace your toilet handle if it sticks with the water running

Check to make sure your toilet flapper isn’t leaking. Add a few drops of food colouring to the toilet tank but don’t flush. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl, fix the leaking flapper right away.

Install a low-flow or trickle shower head.

Don’t flush waste down the toilet if you can recycle, compost, or put it in the waste basket.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge to keep it cold instead of running the water.

Install efficient faucets or aerators to reduce water use.

Use a bowl or the sink instead of running water when washing hands, dishes, fruits, or vegetables. You can then use the water for houseplants or in your garden.

Wash your vehicle at a car wash that recycles the water.

Sweep driveways and walkways rather than washing with water.

Cover swimming pools when not in use to reduce evaporation.

Install rain barrels to collect water for lawns and gardens.

Use native plants that need less water.

Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day and use mulch to maintain moisture

Reduce water use by changing a few habits.

Repair leaks promptly.

Retrofit fixtures to more efficient options.

Contact Us

250 Milroy Drive
Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
Voice: 705-745-5791
Fax: 705-745-7488
Email: otonabeeca@otonabeeconservation.com

  • Flood Messages for July 27, 2026

    A FLOOD WATCH has been issued for local watercourses across the Otonabee Conservation watershed as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast this week increase the risk of localized flooding. A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is in effect for the Trent-Severn Waterway, where water levels are not expected to significantly respond to the forecasted rainfall due to the size of the Kawartha Lakes–Otonabee River–Rice Lake–Trent River watershed.
    Jul 27, 2026
  • Flood Watch for the Water Safety for local watercourses

    Flood Watch for the Water Safety for local watercourses
    Watershed Condition Statement – Trent Severn-Waterway

    Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall over the next 48 hours, with forecasts calling for approximately 30 mm of rain and the potential for an additional 40 to 75 mm on Saturday due to embedded thunderstorms.           

    Jul 17, 2026
  • FLOOD WATCH and WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY messages remain in effect

    The current FLOOD WATCH or the Trent Severn-Waterway will remain in effect as the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River continue to face an elevated flood risk due to high and fluctuating water levels and flows. The Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety for local watercourses will also remain in place.
    May 07, 2026
  • FLOOD WARNING downgraded to FLOOD WATCH for the Trent Severn-Waterway

    Water levels and flows, while still elevated, are now receding along Trent-Severn Waterway within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation.

    Apr 29, 2026
  • FLOOD WARNING and WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY statement

    Flood Warning - has been extended for the Trent-Severn Waterway in the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation

    WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY has been downgraded from a FLOOD WATCH for local watercourses within the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation

    Apr 23, 2026

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