Low Water Status - Mississippi River

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL II – September 5, 2025

Level II Low Water – Indicates a potentially serious problem. Conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses.

This Low Water Statement is an update to the Statement issued August 11, 2025.

Watershed Conditions: June through August experienced below-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures, resulting in increasingly dry conditions across the Mississippi River Watershed. Over the past 90 days, rainfall across the watershed has remained below 80% of the long-term seasonal average. Conditions have deteriorated further in the last 30 days, with rainfall falling to less than 40% of the seasonal norm. This has resulted in a sustained decline in streamflow; less than 50% of the lowest average summer monthly flow in some areas along the main channel of the Mississippi River and 30% in several tributaries. Water levels across the system remain significantly below average and reservoir capacities are increasingly constrained.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River Watershed have reached Level II (Moderate) Low Water threshold under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Actions: The MVCA is encouraging all water users that are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network to reduce their water consumption by 20% to help mitigate the impacts of the low water conditions. MVCA is advising the general public to use extreme caution while out on waterways for recreational purposes (swimming, boating).

Permit holders drawing water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual water takings as much as possible during this time. All residents are strongly encouraged to conserve water by using rain barrels for watering lawns and gardens, and by avoiding the use of pressure washers on houses, driveways, decks, and fences.

Please consult your municipality’s website for up-to-date information on local water use restrictions. Residents across the Mississippi Valley Watershed should stay informed about any watering bans, fire bans, or municipal bylaws currently in effect.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed.

Duration: This message is in effect until an update has been issued.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:

MVCA Duty Officer

613-220-8462

Water-management@mvc.on.ca

More Resources:

City of Ottawa: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/water-utility-bills/water-conservation

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

Ontario’s Low Water Response program:
www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL I – August 11, 2025

Level I Low Water – First indication of potential water supply problems, primarily a warning level. Key focus is conservation of water.

Watershed Conditions: June and July experienced below-average rainfall combined with above-average temperatures, resulting in dry conditions throughout the Mississippi River Watershed. Over the past 90 days, recorded rainfall across the watershed has fallen under 80% of the long-term seasonal average. Conditions have worsened in the last 30 days, with rainfall dropping to under 50% of the seasonal norm. Looking ahead, the 7-day forecast predicts less than 10 mm of rainfall, while daytime high temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 35°C across the region.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Mississippi River watershed have reached Level I Low Water threshold under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

Actions: The MVCA is encouraging all water users that are not on the City of Ottawa’s municipal distribution network to reduce their water consumption by 10% to help mitigate the impacts of the low water conditions.

Those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources are asked to reduce their actual taking as much as possible. Residents are also urged to use water conservatively by using rain barrels to water lawns and gardens and avoid using pressure washers to clean houses, driveways, decks and fences. Please check your municipality’s website for current water usage restrictions. All residents throughout the Mississippi Valley watershed should be aware of any bans or bylaws that may be in place in their municipalities regarding watering or fire bans.