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WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – CARP RIVER WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL II – November 21, 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 September 5, 2025.

Watershed Conditions: Precipitation indicators in the Carp watershed have considerably improved due to recent rainfall and snowfall amounts. Precipitation over the past 90 days has recovered above 80% of the long-term seasonal average and conditions have further improved in the last 30 days, with precipitation recovering to 100% of the seasonal norm.

Streamflow in the Carp River has seen several peaks of improvement across October and November due to precipitation. Currently, the past 30-day streamflow has recovered to 100% of long-term historical average. However, conditions could decline again without continued precipitation to supplement flows.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Carp River Watershed have improved to Level II (Moderate) Low Water conditions in accordance with 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. A map of the Carp River watershed can be found at https://mvc.on.ca/carp-river-watershed/.

For more information, contact:

           MVCA Water Management

            613-253-0006 ext. 248

            Water-management@mvc.on.ca

More Resources:

City of Ottawa:

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

https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public-safety/emergency-preparedness/current-and-ongoing-emergencies/dry-and-low-water-wells

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors

Ontario’s Low Water Response program:

www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program

Ottawa Public Health:

https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/private-wells.aspx#Best-practices-for-wells-at-risk-of-running-dry-and-preparing-for-drought

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Low Water Response Program Status