RRCA Water Response Team Declares Low Water Level 3 Status for its Jurisdiction

October 31, 2025

News

The RRCA’s Water Response Team has declared a Low Water Level 3 status for the RRCA’s watershed jurisdiction on October 30, 2025. A Level 3 can be declared when flows are less than 30 percent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 40 percent of average. There can also be potential for economic harm to water users and/or significant harm to the ecosystem.

The RRCA monitors stream flows and precipitation data at gauges strategically placed throughout its jurisdiction in the City of Cornwall and Townships of South Glengarry, North Glengarry, South Stormont, and North Stormont. While data records on October 30 indicated that overall precipitation in October (i.e., 52.2 mm) was approximately half the historical normal average normal amount for October (i.e., 87.7 mm), monthly flows are currently below 30 percent of normal. Water Response Team members – local representatives from municipal and provincial governments and other interest-holders – also shared documented reports of private residential wells having gone dry and observations of dried-up streams not typically dry this time of year.

The RRCA jurisdiction first entered a Low Water status Level 1 this year on August 12, moving to Level 2 on September 18. Residents and businesses are now asked to reduce their water consumption as much as possible, whether they are connected to municipal water supplies or to a private well. Residents are encouraged to check their municipality’s website to be aware of any municipal water conservation or fire bylaws in effect.

The RRCA will continue to monitor stream flows and precipitation as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program and will provide updates as conditions change. For more information visit rrca.on.ca/LowWater or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.

Water User Feedback Form
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.

Resources for Residents with Private Wells

Never put water into your well – this could damage the well or contaminate groundwater
Consider bulk water haulage services that provide water and storage tank rentals
Learn about groundwater, private water supplies and the different types of private rural water wells: ontario.ca/page/private-rural-water-supplies
Tips for managing your well in times of water shortage: ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
Contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – Water Well Help Desk
- Phone: 1-888-396-9355
- Email: wellshelpdesk@ontario.ca
Contact a licensed well contractor if you need to do work on your well: ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

Water Conservation Tips

Repair any leaks in your home (e.g., taps and toilets)
Reduce non-essential water usage
Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes
Install a low consumption showerhead

About Low Water Response and the RRCA

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) manages water use during a drought. Ontario’s Low Water Response Program ensures provincial and local authorities are prepared in the event of low water conditions. The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) assists the ministry by assessing local watershed conditions and notifying residents.

The RRCA monitors precipitation and water levels throughout Cornwall, South Glengarry, and large portions of North Glengarry and South Stormont.

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For more information:

Jason Symington, Resource Specialist

(613) 938-3611 ext. 239

Jason.Symington@rrca.on.ca

Media contact:

Vincent Pilon, Communications Specialist

(613) 938-3611 ext. 229

Vincent.Pilon@rrca.on.ca