The tinder dry conditions blanketing SD and G has forced a regional conservation authority to issue a notice concerning low water flows.
The South Nation Conservation Authority said Monday afternoon some dry wells have been reported and rocks are becoming exposed on some tributaries that flow through its region.
It’s officially being called a “Level 2 low-water condition.”
“A Level 2 low-water condition means a minor water supply problem has been detected,” said Lisa Migneault, SNC resources technician.
The recent warm and dry conditions have decreased the flows throughout the watershed to approximately 30 per cent of normal for this time of year.
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority, whose watershed runs closer to Cornwall, has stated recently that its flows are still in good shape.
South Nation’s water response team, created under the Ontario Low Water Response program, consists of representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture and other special interest groups.
The team is asking residents, businesses and other industries throughout the watershed to reduce their water consumption by 20 per cent. Water consumption can be reduced by limiting non-essential uses like lawn watering and car washing.
Residents should contact their municipalities regarding any water or fire bylaws that may apply.
South Nation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates as required. To assist in regional data collection of the situation, property owners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact the authority if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems. Should the conditions worsen, the province will be responsible for upgrading the low-water condition.
The South Nation River begins at its headwater streams near Brockville and gathers water from as far away as Maxville to the east, and the City of Ottawa to the west, before it empties into the Ottawa River near Plantagenet.
