The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority Low Water Response Team has recently reviewed current precipitation and flow conditions in the Crowe Valley watershed.

As a result of the analysis of the facts presented to the team, a Level 3 low water condition has been declared effective immediately.

According to the Ontario Low Water Response (OLWR) Program, the Level 3 low water condition is declared when a watershed receives only 40% or less of the normal amount of precipitation over a 3-month period or if streamflow reaches 30% or less of the average over a 1-month period. Level 3 is the highest of three levels, and indicates a potential failure of water supply to meet the demand.

Dry to extremely dry conditions have been observed at various locations in the Crowe Valley Conservation's watershed, especially in the month of July and August as precipitation amounts have fallen below average for these months.

Precipitation data collected at the CVCA’s gauge in the upper portion of the watershed indicates that the rainfall average for this June, July and August is now below the 3-month historical average. The current 3-month average for the precipitation gauge located at Glen Alda in the Municipality of North Kawartha is 20.27% of the historical average for this time period (55.8mm rainfall in total during the last three months). The current 3-month average for the precipitation gauge situated in the Municipality of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is 40.45% of the historical average (Actual rainfall totalled 118.7mm in the last 3 months).

The Low Water Response Team has also been provided with stream flow gauge data to use as another indicator of dry conditions in conjunction with precipitation amounts. Typically, reduced rainfall will eventually lead to low flows since there is no water to replenish the creeks, streams and wetlands, which feeds into the larger rivers and the lakes in the Crowe Valley watershed. An observed reduction below 30% of the normal flows at the CVCA flow gauges has been confirmed. Flows below this level will also result in the necessity to declare a Level 3 low water condition.

As the lack of rainfall and low flows grip the watershed, it will continue to place additional stress on the larger the lakes in the watershed. Most of the lakes are either near or below their winter levels. The CVCA monitors lake levels daily on lakes with water control structures.

The Low Water Response Team encourages a 30% reduction water use across the Crowe Valley watershed by residential, commercial and cottage users.

Everyone can do their part in cutting back water consumption by not watering lawns, fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, not washing the driveway or car and reducing non-essential uses of water while the Low Water Level 3 is in effect.

With a level 3 declaration, member municipalities have the  option to implement municipal by-laws to make water restrictions mandatory if they feel that is necessary for their municipality. The affected municipalities include portions of the Municipality of Trent Hills, Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Wollaston, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel, Faraday and Highlands East.

Included in these municipalities are the Village of Marmora, Havelock and the Hamlet of Coe Hill. Water users are encouraged to monitor conditions and watch for updated advisories. CVCA staff will continue to monitor rainfall and streamflow data and keep the public informed of any changes in watershed conditions through the CVCA website (www.crowevalley.com), media, municipal newsletters, and social media outlets.

Working in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and local stakeholders representing key water-use sectors, the Crowe Valley Low Water Response Team will determine if any further course of action is needed. The Conservation Authority will continue to provide the necessary data to monitor the low water situation and provide updated information to the LWRT. 

PRESS RE:EASE FROM CVCA Sept. 9, 2025: