Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Media Release - Low Water Level 1

Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Media Release August 8, 2025 - Low Water Level 1

CVCA Low Water Response Team Declares Low Water Level I

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Low Water Response Team has recently reviewed current precipitation and flow conditions in the Crowe Valley watershed. As a result of the analysis of the facts presented to the team, a Level 1 low water condition has been declared effective immediately.

According to the Ontario Low Water Response (OLWR) Program, the Level 1 low water condition is declared when a watershed receives only 80% or less of the normal amount of precipitation over a 3-month period. Level 1 is the lowest of three levels, and the first indication of potential water supply problems.

Dry to extremely dry conditions have been observed at various locations in the Crowe Valley Conservation's watershed, especially in the month of July as precipitation amounts have fallen below average for this month. Precipitation data collected at the CVCA’s gauge in the upper portion of the watershed indicates that the rainfall average for this May, June and July is now below the 3-month historical average. The current 3-month average for the gauge located at Glen Alda in the Municipality of North Kawartha is 40% of the historical average for this time period (101mm rainfall in total during the last three months). The current 3-month average for the gauge situated in the Municipality of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is 56% of the historical average (Actual rainfall totalled 162.7mm in the last 3 months.)

The Low Water Response Team has also been provided with stream flow gauge data to use as another indicator of dry conditions in conjunction with precipitation amounts. Typically, reduced rainfall will eventually lead to low flows since there is no water to replenish the creeks, streams and wetlands, which feeds into the larger rivers and the lakes in the Crowe Valley watershed. An observed reduction below 70% of the normal flows at the CVCA flow gauges has confirmed this sequence of events. Flows below this level will also result in the necessity to declare a Level 1 low water condition.

As the lack of rainfall and low flows grips the watershed, it will place additional stress on the larger waterbodies, the lakes in the area. Most of the lakes are either near or below their summer recreational levels. The CVCA monitors lake levels daily on lakes with water control structures.

Due to these stresses, the Low Water Response Team encourages a voluntary 10% reduction water use across the Crowe Valley watershed by residential, commercial and cottagers. Everyone can do their part in cutting back water consumption by not watering lawns, fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, not washing the driveway or car and reducing non-essential uses of water while the Low Water Level One is in effect. Reducing water consumption in the CVCA watershed now will help reduce the risk of declaring more severe Low Water Level declarations as potentially a hot, dry summer may continue.

The affected municipalities include portions of the Municipality of Trent Hills, Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Wollaston, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel, Faraday and Highlands East. Included in these municipalities are the Village of Marmora, Havelock and the Hamlet of Coe Hill.

Water users are encouraged to monitor conditions and watch for advisories throughout summer season. Everyone plays a role in cooperating to preserve water supply and protect the environment. CVCA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions through the website (www.crowevalley.com), media, municipal newsletters, and social media outlets.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and local stakeholders representing key water-use sectors, the Crowe Valley Low Water Response Team will determine if any further course of action is needed. The Conservation Authority will continue to provide the necessary data to monitor the low water situation and provide updated information to the LWRT.

Contact: Amanda Donald (Amanda.donald@crowevalley.com) or Neil McConkey (watertech@crowevalley.com), Crowe Valley Conservation Authority, 613-472-3137