Low Water

Current Low Water Status: Return to Normal Conditions


March 1, 2023
3:30 PM

Conservation Halton advises that the previous Level I Low Water Condition message issued on January 10, 2023 has now been removed and conditions have returned to Normal as a result of continued improvements to precipitation and streamflow conditions over the previous three months.

Conservation Halton will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow conditions and will provide updates to this message as required.

Conservation Halton assesses precipitation and streamflow conditions at selected long term monitoring stations located across our jurisdiction over 30- and 90-day periods to determine low water status.  Precipitation amounts recorded in February (30-day period) were at, or above normal compared to the long-term average for the month.  Total precipitation amounts recorded from December 2022 through February 2023 (90-day period) have also improved from a previous minimum of less than 70% to well over 80% of the long-term average for this period.  In addition, all our streamflow stations recorded above average flow conditions in February using the criterion for streamflow.  Wet conditions and additional precipitation are expected to continue for the foreseeable future according to the latest long-term weather forecasts.

For further information or questions regarding this message contact:

Glenn Farmer
Manager, Flood Forecasting & Operations
Mobile: 647-458-1046
Email: gfarmer@hrca.on.ca


Conservation Halton Low Water Terminology

Conservation Halton, in partnership with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, assists in the co-ordination and support of local response in the event of a drought. We monitor local water level and precipitation closely and work with local water users to reduce demand and mitigate effects of water shortages, encouraging voluntary water conservation measures. Consisting of representatives from the Province, Municipalities, Conservation Authorities, local water users and interest groups, a Water Response Team is coordinated by Conservation Halton in its watershed.

Normal: Conditions are within normal limits.

Level I Low Water Condition: This level is primarily a warning based on early indication of potential water supply problems. As a result, the focus is on voluntary conservation of water.

Level II Low Water Condition: This level indicates a potentially serious problem. As a result, the conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses.

Level III Low Water Condition: This level indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. As a result, the focus is on conservation, regulation and enforcement of non-essential uses.

Essential Uses consist of water uses which deal with human life and health; a reasonable supply of water for drinking and sanitation, health care and public institutions (wastewater treatment, fire protection, schools and power generation) as well as water required for basic ecological functions

Important Uses consist of uses important for social and economic well being and would include activities critical to industry, commercial operations and agriculture

Non Essential Uses consist of uses which can be interrupted for a short period without significant impact and would include private swimming pools, lawn watering, public and private fountains and vehicle washing


Additional Resources


Contacts:

Glenn Farmer
Manager, Flood Forecasting & Operations
Mobile: 647-458-1046
Email: gfarmer@hrca.on.ca

Shelly Datseris
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Mobile: 905-208-0030
sdatseris@hrca.on.ca