Local ecosystems and residents are bracing as water demand now exceeds supply.
With rainfall at just 46 per cent of normal and stream flows declining sharply, the highest low-water status under Ontario’s drought response system according to a Sept. 4 statement on its website.
If dry conditions persist, local Kingston ecosystems could face significant harm. In a statement to The Journal, Krista Fazackerley, supervisor of communications and education at Cataraqui Region Conservation, explained the potential impacts of the drought on the region.
Fazackerley explained that low water conditions are classified based on precipitation and streamflow thresholds, using data from gauges, weather stations, and forecasts. According to the Cataraqui Region Low Water Response Program, there’re three levels of low water conditions.
Level One signals potential water supply problems and calls for a voluntary 10 per cent conservation from the public, Level Two reflects more serious shortages and requires 20 per cent voluntary public conservation efforts, and Level Three means demand exceeds supply—triggering conservation measures, restrictions, and regulation.
After issuing a Level One warning in August, Cataraqui Conservation has now declared Level Three following a hot, dry summer. “We’re experiencing very dry conditions with minimal precipitation inputs into waterways,” Fazackerley said. “Water Managers are very limited in what they can do to alleviate effects without consistent or significant rainfall.”
According to Cataraqui Conservation’s General Manager, David Ellingwood, under current conditions, the Level Three declaration is expected to remain in effect through September. While fall rain could bring relief, forecasts point to continued warm, dry weather.
In the meantime, residents are urged to conserve water by reducing non-essential uses such as car washing and lawn watering, repairing leaks, and following municipal restrictions. In Kingston, watering schedules remain in place until Sept. 15.
As the lenient days of summer fade, the watershed remains precariously low. For September and beyond, the only question for Cataraqui waterways is whether the rain will return in time.
Tags
Cataraqui River, Climate change, water
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