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Photo via Cataraqui Conservation.<\/p>\nPhoto via Cataraqui Conservation.<\/p>\n
Earlier today, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, Cataraqui Conservation and the Low Water Response Team extended the Level 3 Low Water Condition for the Cataraqui Region due to continued dry conditions and lack of rainfall, according to a media release.<\/p>\n
The Level 3 Low Water Condition was issued in early September, as previously reported.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cPrecipitation amounts continue to be below normal with minimal rainfall received in the month of September. On average the region received only 41 per cent of the normal precipitation it would get,\u201d explained Mallory Wright, Cataraqui Conservation\u2019s Water Resources Technologist.<\/p>\n \u201cWe continue to see very limited to zero stream flows and they remain well below normal for this time of year. As well, groundwater levels are showing signs of a prolonged dry period with limited precipitation measured at monitoring wells throughout the Cataraqui Region.\u201d<\/p>\n A Level 3 low water condition is the highest of three levels and reflects a water supply that fails to meet the demand if current precipitation and stream flow trends persist, the conservation authority detailed. Level 1 \u2018Minor\u2019 suggests a potential water supply problem, and Level 2 \u2018Moderate\u2019 a potentially serious problem. Find more details on the Low Water Response Program and local conservation efforts in our previous coverage here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWater managers are very limited in what they can do to alleviate effects without consistent or significant rainfall,\u201d noted David Ellingwood, Cataraqui Conservation\u2019s General manager.<\/p>\n \u201cIf below normal precipitation patterns persist, it is likely that a Level 3 declaration will remain in place into late fall.\u201d<\/p>\n Residents on groundwater systems or who draw from inland lakes or streams are asked to voluntarily conserve water by following water conservation practices:<\/p>\n Reduce non-essential water uses.Limit outside watering of plants and lawns. If you must water your lawn, early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation.Limit washing vehicles, driveways and sidewalks. Use a pail of soapy water to wash your car and rinse off quickly with a hose.Repair leaky plumbing or fixtures to help curtail water wastage.<\/p>\n Cataraqui Conservation is urging boaters to exercise caution when out on lakes, as low water conditions may expose shoals or other obstructions not visible during normal conditions.<\/p>\n According to the release, municipalities may invoke water use bylaws, and residents should find out what bylaws are in effect in their municipalities regarding water use, as well as outdoor fires.<\/p>\n Cataraqui Conservation also stated that if a water well supply becomes low or dry, well owners are encouraged to review the Ontario Government\u2019s \u201cManaging your well in times of drought<\/a>\u201d publication. A local licensed water well contractor (https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/page\/find-licenced-well-contractors<\/a>) can assess the well and provide recommended solutions, according to the release.<\/p>\n