Flood Status & Low Water Status

Trent Severn Waterway

Flood Warning

Local Watercourses

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety

Low Water

Normal

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.

Low Water Level 1

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

Low Water Level 2

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

Low Water Level 3

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%.

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.

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

Trent-Severn Waterway upgraded to FLOOD WARNING
Updated forecasts indicate significant rainfall over the next five days, combined with increased runoff from rain and snowmelt in the Haliburton–Reservoir Lakes region. As a result, water levels and flows are expected to rise rapidly, and flooding in low-lying areas is imminent—particularly along the Otonabee River.

Apr 10, 2026
A FLOOD WATCH is in effect for the Trent-Severn Waterway
A FLOOD WATCH is in effect for the Trent-Severn Waterway within the Otonabee region watershed due to forecasted warmer temperatures and rainfall expected next week.

Water levels and flows are anticipated to continue rising along the Trent-Severn Waterway over the next seven days. As a result, flooding may occur along the waterway within the Otonabee watershed, particularly in low-lying, vulnerable areas.

A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY IS in effect for local watercourses as water levels and flows have peaked and begun to recede. Flooding is not expected.

Apr 09, 2026
Flood Watch issued for local watercourses
A FLOOD WATCH is in effect for local watercourses within the Otonabee Watershed due to significant rainfall received this week, with additional precipitation in the forecast.

Mar 31, 2026
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY issued for the Otonabee Watershed
A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY has been issued for the Otonabee Watershed due to the high safety risk posed by unstable streambanks, fast-flowing water, and cold-water temperatures.

Mar 26, 2026
Flood Watch for the Trent Severn-Waterway
Flood Watch for the Trent Severn-Waterway
Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety for local watercourses

Mar 18, 2026