Watershed Conditions Statements - Low Water - September 5, 2025

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENTS – September 5, 2025

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL II
CARP RIVER  WATERSHED - LOW WATER LEVEL III

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.

Level III Low Water – Indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Key focus is on regulation & enforcement.

This Low Water Statement is an update to the Statement issued August 6, 2025.

Watershed Conditions: Streamflow in the Carp River has been persistently low, falling to less than 5% of long-term historical average for most of August. Precipitation over the past 90 days has dropped below 70% of the long-term seasonal average and conditions have deteriorated further in the last 30 days, with rainfall falling to less than 30% of the seasonal norm.

This statement is to advise that present conditions in the Carp River Watershed have reached Level III (Severe) Low Water thresholds 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 50% 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 Duty Officer
613-220-8462 
Water-management@mvc.on.ca