Ausable Bayfield Conservation photoAusable Bayfield Conservation photo
Midwestern

'Level 1' Low Water Advisory Issued For ABCA Watershed

A 'Level 1' Low Water Advisory has been issued for the entire Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority watershed.

The Authority's Water Response Team notes that stream flow across ABCA watershed is at its lowest level since the 2012 drought.

Water users are being encouraged to voluntarily reduce any water use by 10 per cent.

Rainfall totals for the months of July through September have been below normal, across most of the watershed, resulting in extremely dry conditions and stressed flows in local streams and rivers.

The summer was very dry when compared to the long-term average, and throughout September, no appreciable rainfall occurred with the exception of the Labour Day long weekend.

The rain that did fall was quickly absorbed by vegetation on the ground and provided no sustained increase in stream flows.

If dry conditions persist through autumn, it may be necessary to for the Water Response Team to consider keeping a Low Water Advisory in effect through the winter in preparation for any potential long-term water shortage.

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