20% Water Conservation urged as Low Water Condition Upgraded to Level 2
Peterborough, ON (July 7, 2020) A Level 2 Low Water Condition is being declared by the Otonabee Region Water Response Team due to weather anomalies, including well-above normal air temperatures and well-below normal rainfall.
Otonabee Conservation analyzes the condition of the watershed on a monthly basis; low water status is determined based on the available data including temperature, precipitation, and surface water levels / flow
A Level 2 Low Water Condition is being declared at this time as rainfall receipts for the preceding 1-month and 3-month periods ending June 30th are below 60% of the normal total in the Otonabee, Indian, and Ouse River watersheds. In addition, June saw three weeks with minimal rainfall (less than 7.6mm in a week), which is another indicator of a Level 2 drought.
To reduce water use by 20%, Otonabee Conservation offers the following water conservation tips:
- Turn off ornamental fountains and artificial waterfalls
- Run full loads of dishes and laundry during off-peak use times (between 7pm and 7am) and use shorter washing cycles
- Water gardens wisely, add mulch or use stored rainwater from a rain barrel ? Lawns that have turned brown from the drought are not “dead”; the grass has just gone dormant from lack of water. When rainfall returns, the grass will come out of dormancy and perk back up
- Adhere to municipal watering restrictions that may apply
- Do not use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios, or decks; use a broom to sweep up
- Do not wash your vehicles in the driveway; delay washing your vehicles as long as possible, and visit a carwash facility when you do need to wash vehicles 2
- Cover swimming pools when not in use to reduce evaporation
- Install an efficient faucet or aerator to reduce water demands for handwashing, rinsing fruits and vegetables, or washing dishes
- Take shorter and less frequent showers to conserve water
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under a running tap. You can then use the water for houseplants or in your garden
- Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge rather than running tap water until cold enough to drink.
Media Release - Otonabee Conservation 
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