Burn ban in effect

A total burn ban is in place due to ongoing hot, dry weather and no substantial precipitation in the forecast. Outdoor cooking devices such as gas, electric or charcoal grills, wood-fired ovens or smokers are permitted if solely used for cooking purposes and extinguished immediately following the food preparation. All open air burning that would require a burn permit is strictly prohibited during the burn ban. This includes campfires, burn barrels, burning brush, grass or leaves, and fireworks. The fire department continues to monitor conditions. Check for updates: ec.burnpermits.com.

Low Water Response

August 12, 2025

Low rainfall and hot summer weather can lower streamflows and groundwater levels. This reduces the amount of water available for people, farms, and aquatic life. Following the Ontario Low Water Response Program, Low Water Responses are issued by South Nation Conservation (SNC) when water levels drop to guide major water users in reducing their water use.

Current low water messages

We will share all low water messages on this page to help keep residents informed.

August 11, 2025: Level 2 Low Water Advisory

SNC elevated its Low Water Advisory from Level I (Minor) to Level II (Moderate) for the South Nation River watershed.

Why this matters:

  • Rainfall over the past 30–90 days has dropped well below the long-term seasonal average and many headwater tributaries have gone dry.

  • The 7-day forecast calls for less than 10 mm of rain, and daytime temperatures are expected to reach 25–33 °C

Recommended Actions:

  • Reduce non-essential water use by 20 per cent, double the earlier Level I target 

  • Avoid pressure washing, delay outdoor watering, or water only early morning or evening.

  • If you hold a permit to take water, cut use as much as possible

Next steps:
SNC will keep monitoring conditions and update residents as needed

You can read the advisory message.

SNC has declared a Level I Low Water Condition for its jurisdiction under Ontario’s Low Water Response Program.

This is the first stage of low water concern. It includes a request for all water users to voluntarily reduce water use by 10%.

Current Conditions

  • Rainfall over the past 90 days is less than 80% of the seasonal average.
  • Many local streams and rivers are now at Level I flow thresholds.
  • The 7-day forecast calls for less than 5 mm of rain and daily highs of 26°C to 31°C.

Recommended Actions

All water users, including municipalities, residents, businesses and farmers, are asked to reduce water use by 10%.

Here are some ways to conserve water:

  • Use a rain barrel to water gardens and lawns.
  • Delay or limit non-essential outdoor water use. If needed, water only early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • Avoid pressure washing homes, driveways, or decks.
  • If you hold a permit to take water, reduce water takings where possible.

What Happens Next

  • This advisory will stay in place until further notice.
  • SNC will meet with its Water Response Team, made up of local and provincial representatives and stakeholders, to review impacts and consider next steps.
  • Rainfall, stream flows and water levels will continue to be monitored.

SNC will share updates as conditions change.

You can read the advisory message. 

Contact Us

Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal
18 Centre St. PO Box 129
Spencerville, ON K0E 1X0

Tel: 613-658-3055
Toll Free: 1-866-848-9099

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