RRCA Confirms Level 1 Low Water Condition for its Jurisdiction

August 12, 2025

The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) has issued a Level 1 Low Water notice for its watershed jurisdiction and is asking local water users to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by ten percent. A Level 1 condition is the first indication of a potential water supply issue and can be declared if precipitation during a three-month period falls below 80 percent of average or if flows are less than 70 percent of their normal summer low flow. As of August 10, the three-month precipitation was at 72 percent of average.

Out of an abundance of caution due to the heightened risk of fire posed by the current dry conditions, the RRCA has enacted a total fire ban at its three Conservation Areas: Charlottenburgh Park, Gray’s Creek, and Cooper Marsh. The ban includes the use of charcoal-fueled barbecues, candles, and torches. The public is encouraged to check their local municipality’s website for any water restriction bylaws or fire bans in place.

To help the RRCA better understand the impacts of this year’s weather, residents experiencing difficulties with their own water supplies are invited to contact the RRCA through a brief online feedback form at rrca.on.ca/LowWater.

Residents, businesses, and farms can help conserve water through best practices such as:

• Repairing leaks in faucets or toilets.
• Using rain barrels to water gardens or lawns.
• Limiting or delaying non-essential tasks that consume significant water.
• Installing faucet aerators and toilet dams.
• Checking farm irrigation systems for leaks and irrigating closer to the evening to reduce evaporation loss.

The RRCA continues to monitor water levels and precipitation as part of its Low Water Response Program. A Low Water Response Team is convening to advise on any water quantity or quality issues related to the Level 1 condition. Updates will be provided by the RRCA as conditions change. For more information, visit rrca.on.ca/LowWater or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.

For more information:
Phil Barnes, Team Lead, Watershed Management
(613) 938-3611 ext. 240
Phil.Barnes@rrca.on.ca

Media Contact:
Vincent Pilon, Communications Specialist
(613) 938-3611 ext. 229
Vincent.Pilon@rrca.on.ca