Low Water Response

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 being 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 their municipality’s website for current water use restrictions and fire bans.

Residents on private wells

If you use a private groundwater well, please use water carefully to help protect the underground water supply (aquifer) your well depends on.

• If you are having problems with your well water supply, contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Wells Help Desk.
• Never put water down a well—this can damage the well and contaminate groundwater.
• Contact licensed contractors to complete work on wells.
• 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.

You can read the full advisory message or view the low water response map, issued August 26, 2025.

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.