WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – CARP RIVER  WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL I – July 31, 2025

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

Watershed Conditions: Rainfall over the past 90 days in the Carp River Watershed has been below average, with totals reaching less than 80% of the long-term seasonal norm. The 7-day forecast predicts less than 5 mm of additional rainfall, with daytime high temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C across the watershed. This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Carp River watershed are now at the threshold for Level I Minor Low Water Status 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.  

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

Low Water Response Program Status