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:

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

Flood Status downgraded to Flood Watch April 23, 2025
The Flood Warning that has been in effect for the Trent-Severn Waterway has been downgraded to a Flood Watch.

Apr 23, 2025
Flood Warning Update: April 9, 2025
Flooding of low-lying, flood-prone areas along the Trent-Severn Waterway is expected to worsen over the next 48 hours as water level and flows continue to rise.

Apr 09, 2025
Flood Warning Update Issued April 4, 2025
Flooding in low lying, flood-prone areas will worsen over the coming days along the Trent-Severn Waterway (Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake) and local watercourses, including the Ouse River, Indian River and tributaries to the Otonabee River. These areas are experiencing extremely hazardous water levels and flows.

Apr 04, 2025
Flood Warning Update issued April 2, 2025
Flooding in low lying and flood-prone areas continues along the Trent Severn Waterway and local watercourses, and our region is forecasted to receive heavy precipitation over the next four days.

Apr 02, 2025
Flood Warning March 26, 2025
Significant rain is expected to start Friday and continue through the weekend into Monday. This will cause flooding in low lying, flood-prone areas along the Trent-Severn Waterway and local watercourses. Flooding has started in some areas due to the recent snow melt and precipitation. The forecasted 40 to 60 mm of rain expected this weekend will further increase water levels and flow.

Mar 25, 2025