FINCH — South Nation Conservation’s Water Response Team this week terminated a Low Water Advisory across the South Nation River watershed this week.
The change was effective Wednesday, Aug. 4, and follows above-average rainfall throughout July in the watershed, counterbalancing drier conditions in the preceding two months, especially May. It means the last three months are now 80 to 87 percent of the three-month historical average.
A Level 1 condition occurs when the 3-month or 18-month total precipitation drops below 80% of the historical total.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition had been issued June 4th for the South Nation River Watershed in Eastern Ontario due to a drier than usual spring.
Low water conditions are determined based on precipitation and stream flow indicators. Stream flows within SNC’s watershed were below average in June. However, the lack of precipitation in May was the leading factor in issuing a low water status through June and July, says South Nation Conservation (SNC).
Of the three levels of Low Water Conditions, a Level 1 indicates that there is the potential of a water supply problem should current precipitation and stream flow trends persist. A Level 2 condition indicates minor supply issues may be apparent and conservation and non-essential restriction is adopted, and a Level 3 condition indicates the failure of water supply to meet demand.