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Fri 03 Aug 2012 04:30:50 PM EDT St. Thomas – Residents living in the Kettle Creek watershed are being asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 per cent during this dry weather.As of August 3, the Kettle Conservation Authority's Low Water Response Team has declared a Level 2 Low Water Condition for the KCCA watershed. “Even though we have had some rain fall across the watershed due to thunderstorm activity, it has not been enough to improve streamflow,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor. “The last time KCCA issued a Level 2 Low Water Advisory was on September 6, 2007.” “At this point the watershed needs some consistent slow steady rain that has a chance to be absorbed by the soil and can accumulate in the watercourses. Right now in some areas of the watershed, the lack of streamflow is approaching the point where the creeks and streams will not support ecological life,” says Ms. Dow. “Low water levels in the creeks and waterways can result in higher surface water temperatures and lower concentration of dissolved oxygen which can inhibit the survival of many sport fish species. Aquatic habitat can also be affected by increased algal growth in slow-moving and stagnant watercourses and, in extreme cases they could completely dry up resulting in a direct loss in wildlife.” Although residents with access to municipal water from Lake Erie will never likely see their taps run dry, they will definitely notice the effects of the low water conditions in their brown lawns, dry gardens and stressed trees. Based on criteria set out by the provincial government in its Low Water Response Plan, the conditions established are: Level 2 Low Water Condition for the entire Kettle Creek watershed. A Level 2 Low Water Condition is declared when precipitation falls below 60% of the long term average and streamflow falls below 50% of the lowest average summer month flow. If water levels continue to decline, then the watershed may have to consider moving into a Level 3 Low Water Condition. A Level 3 declaration represents the most severe level condition and the response is designed to mitigate the impending impacts of an escalated drought condition. These may include water use restrictions affecting a range of small and large water users. Residents are reminded to follow any water restriction by-laws in their municipality (such as watering on alternate days). Non-essential water use refers to: watering lawns, vegetable gardens, flower gardens, filling pools, and washing vehicles. Residents should also be aware of any open air burning bans that are in effect in their area. For more information please visit us at www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with us socially @KettleCreekCA or jennifer@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca. -30- For more information: Jennifer Dow Water Conservation Supervisor (Tel) 519-631-1270 ext. 227 |
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