Low Water Advisory – Level 1 Condition Issued

For the North Bay – Mattawa Watershed

A Low Water Advisory for Level 1 Conditions has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

"The North Bay Airport climate station has recorded a total of 249.5 mm of rainfall for May, June and July, which is 84.9% of the long-term average (1991-2020) of 227 mm." said NBMCA Duty Officer Angela Mills. “Three of the four local stream gauges are reporting flow between 30% and 71% of normal for the month of August,” she added.

Due to the lack of rainfall and low water levels across the watershed, all residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water consumption, targeting an overall water usage reduction of 10%.

The vulnerability of municipal water supply systems within the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) area of jurisdiction were assessed through a water budget stress assessment as part of the Drinking Water Source Protection program. All municipal water intakes within NBMCA jurisdiction were determined to have a low level of risk. Municipal water supply issues are not anticipated at this time. Private water systems were not assessed.

Low water levels mean that submerged hazards may be closer to the surface in some areas than in the past. Boaters are encouraged to exercise additional caution in areas with low water.

As part of the NBMCA Low Water Response Program, staff at NBMCA will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates as conditions change.

This message will be in effect until further notice.

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is responsible for local Low Water programs (Low Water Bulletins | NBMCA) for residents who live within their jurisdiction, including those in North Bay and Callander to Mattawa. Where a Conservation Authority has not been established, the MNR District Office is responsible for local Low Water Response programs, including along the Ottawa River. https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/low-water-response/

Terminology: Low Water Notification Levels

 Level 1 Condition is the first indication of a potential water supply problem. A Water Response Team (WRT) may be convened. Voluntary water use reductions are encouraged, targeting an overall 10% reduction.

 Level 1 is based on the following criteria:

·     18-month precipitation < 80% of average, or

·     3-month precipitation < 80% of average, or

·     Monthly flow < 80% lowest average summer month flow, or

In Spring (i.e., April, May, June) only:

·     Monthly flow < 100% lowest average summer month flow.

 Level 2 Condition indicates a potentially serious water supply problem. The WRT may contact individual water users and Permit To Take Water (PTTW) holders to encourage further water use reductions, targeting an overall 20% reduction.

Level 2 is based on the following criteria:

·                 18-month precipitation < 60% of average, or

·                 3-month precipitation < 60% of average, or

·                 1-month precipitation < 60% of average, or

·                 3 weeks with < 7.6mm rainfall, or

·                 Monthly flow < 50% lowest average summer month flow, or

In Spring (i.e., April, May, June) only:

·                 Monthly flow < 70% lowest average summer month flow.

Level 3 Condition indicates the failure of the water supply to meet the demand, resulting in progressively more severe and widespread socioeconomic effects. The WRT may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water.

Level 3 is based on the following criteria:

·                 18-month precipitation < 40% of average, or

·                 3-month precipitation < 40% of average, or

·                 1-month precipitation < 40% of average, or

·                 Monthly flow < 30% lowest average summer month flow, or

In Spring (i.e., April, May, June) only:

·                 Monthly flow < 50% lowest average summer month flow.