Current Low Water Status:
Crowe Valley Conservation Authority’s Low Water Response Team has declared Low Water Level 1 for the entire CVCA watershed Effective August 8, 2025.
The Ontario Low Water Response program was developed to ensure that the province is prepared in case of low water conditions. It is designed to assist in the coordination and support for local responses in the event of a drought. An area or watershed is considered to be in drought if:
- it is below normal levels of precipitation over an extended period of time
- streamflows are at the minimum requirement to sustain aquatic life
- low water conditions are causing socio-economic effects
When current conditions fall below the drought indicator levels, the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority’s Low Water Response team holds regular meetings to coordinate local actions to minimize the impacts of drought.
The CVCA Low Water Response Team is composed of representatives from the Ministry, Industry, Recreation, CVCA staff and Board members. Voluntary conservation is the main measure that can be promoted/implemented during a low water event in our area. Municipalities can enforce by-laws to restrict non-essential water consumption.
| Drought Level | Condition | Target & Action |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Potential for water supply prolems is identified (minor drought conditions) | Water users will be asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 10% |
| Level 2 | Minor water supply issues are encountered. Potential for major supply probelms (moderate drought conditions). | There is the potential for major supply problems. Water users will be asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 20% |
| Level 3 | Supply no longer meets demand. Social & economic impacts are experienced (severe drought conditions) | Voluntary measures have not produced the necessary response. Restrictions proposed by the Water Response Team may be put into action |
Additional Low Water Resources