The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Water Response Team (WRT) has declared a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for the Bayfield River watershed due to very dry weather in August and September. The Ontario Low Water Response Level 1 is triggered when rainfall is at 80% of the three-month average, but the area only received 75% of the normal amount of rain.
The three-month rainfall total isn’t much below the threshold, a very wet July is included in that figure. The dry conditions in August and September have caused low streamflow’s in the Bayfield River, which affects the aquatic ecosystem. Streamflow’s for September were only 14% of normal levels.
Even though water use usually drops in the fall, people are being asked to voluntarily cut their water use by 10% to avoid further lowering water levels. You can find tips on how to save water on the ABCA website.
The Water Response Team monitors both rainfall and streamflow to decide on Low Water Advisories. A Level 1 advisory asks for a 10% reduction in water use, Level 2 calls for 20%, and Level 3 may require mandatory water restrictions.
For more information on water conservation and the Ontario Low Water Response program, visit www.ontario.ca/lowwater or abca.ca.
Written by: K. Milhomens