RRCA Water Response Team Lifts Low Water Status for its Jurisdiction

On January 14, 2026, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority’s (RRCA) Water Response Team – comprised of local representatives from municipal and provincial governments and other interest-holders – declared a return to normal conditions by lifting the Low Water status for the RRCA’s jurisdiction in eastern Ontario.

A Low Water status is declared when stream flows or precipitation falls below an expected amount. The RRCA monitors precipitation data and stream flows at gauges strategically placed throughout its watershed jurisdiction in the City of Cornwall and Townships of South Glengarry, North Glengarry, South Stormont, and North Stormont. Current conditions for the RRCA jurisdiction are now within the normal range. Recent direct engagement by the RRCA with many residents who reported dry wells also indicates that conditions for private well users have either returned to normal or are improving.

Hot and dry conditions last summer that continued into fall first caused the RRCA jurisdiction to enter a Low Water status Level 1 on August 12, 2025, moving to Level 2 on September 18, and Level 3 on October 30. A Level 3 status can be declared when flows are less than 30 percent of their normal summer low flow, precipitation has been less than 40 per cent of average, or there is potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem.  

Residents can view resources and information for private well owners, including post-drought best practices, at rrca.on.ca/LowWater.

The RRCA continues 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 or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.

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 RRCA assists the ministry by assessing local watershed conditions and notifying residents.

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For more information:

Jason Symington, Project Manager

(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