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.
The Level 3 Low Water Condition was issued in early September, as previously reported.
“Precipitation 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,” explained Mallory Wright, Cataraqui Conservation’s Water Resources Technologist.
“We 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.”
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 ‘Minor’ suggests a potential water supply problem, and Level 2 ‘Moderate’ a potentially serious problem. Find more details on the Low Water Response Program and local conservation efforts in our previous coverage here.
“Water managers are very limited in what they can do to alleviate effects without consistent or significant rainfall,” noted David Ellingwood, Cataraqui Conservation’s General manager.
“If below normal precipitation patterns persist, it is likely that a Level 3 declaration will remain in place into late fall.”
Residents on groundwater systems or who draw from inland lakes or streams are asked to voluntarily conserve water by following water conservation practices:
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.
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.
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.
Cataraqui Conservation also stated that if a water well supply becomes low or dry, well owners are encouraged to review the Ontario Government’s “Managing your well in times of drought” publication. A local licensed water well contractor (https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors) can assess the well and provide recommended solutions, according to the release.
To help Cataraqui Conservation staff track the spread and seriousness of low water impacts on the region, they are asking for help from the public in collecting this information. If residents have a low water concern, let Cataraqui Conservation know by filling in this online form: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/7955b90fe7814d0bbef6f9b870ec6da9.
Cataraqui Conservation said it will continue to monitor water levels and provide updates as conditions change.