Watershed Conditions Statement - November 21st, 2025

Re: WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT 
MISSISSIPPI RIVER  WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL II – November 21, 2025
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 for the Carp River Watershed, and the Statement issued September 25, 2025 for the Mississippi River Watershed. 

Watershed Conditions: Precipitation indicators in the lower Mississippi 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. Precipitation in the upper Mississippi watershed remains below average at approximately 60% for the past 90 days and 40% for the last 30 days.

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.

Streamflow in the Mississippi River has generally recovered to above 50% of long-term historical average with the exception of a few tributaries that are still recovering.  

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Carp River Watershed and Mississippi 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 continue reducing 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).

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. 
A map of the Carp River watershed can be found at MVCA Carp River Watershed.

For more information, contact:

MVCA Water Management

613-253-0006 ext. 248

Water-management@mvc.on.ca