St. Thomas – Local creek and stream flows across the Kettle Creek watershed have dropped to less than 70% of the lowest average summer flow. As a result, a Level 1 Low Water Condition is being issued for the Kettle Creek watershed.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources outlines three levels of low water conditions. Level 1 is the first indication of a potential water supply problem, and it relies on voluntary water conservation. When a Level 1 advisory is in place, water users are asked to reduce consumption by 10%.
“Dry conditions as a result of low precipitation and unusually high air temperatures this summer have had an impact on water levels throughout the watershed,” says Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s Water Resources Supervisor. “What the watershed needs is several days of sustained, moderate rain rather than the short, intense thunderstorms we’ve seen this summer.”
Watering lawns twice weekly in the evening instead of every day and cutting back on car washes may help residents reduce their non-essential water consumption. Other simple water conservation practices include:
- Use a rain barrel to catch water for your gardens.
- Install efficient showerheads, taps, and toilets.
- Use a broom to clean your driveway, not a garden hose.
- Plant native trees, plants and grasses that are heat and drought resistant.
- Utilize mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
- Check and repair household leaks.
Low flows are expected to continue into the fall. With soils extremely dry, significant prolonged rainfall is needed before creeks return to normal levels. The Dodd Creek and Upper Kettle Creek subwatersheds are most affected, with some small creeks and drains completely dried up.
While most residents in the watershed receive water from the Lake Erie pipeline, reduced flows still matter. “Decreased flows in Kettle Creek may not affect municipal water supply, but they do affect aquatic life and overall watershed health,” says Dow.
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For more information:
Jennifer Dow
Water Resources Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
jennifer@kettlecreekconservation.on.ca