LOW WATER RESPONSE
The Ontario Low Water Response program is intended to ensure provincial preparedness, to assist in coordination and to support local response in the event of a drought.
The program is based on existing legislation and regulations and builds on existing relationships between the province and local government bodies and agencies.
The Ontario Low Water Response program was developed at the direction of the Ontario Water Directors Committee. The provincial ministries and agencies involved in the preparation of the program include:
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- Ministry of the Environment
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
- Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
- Association of Municipalities of Ontario
- Conservation Ontario
The program requires that the province provide overall direction and co-ordination of policies, science and information systems and emergency support. At the local jurisdiction, the emphasis is directed to collecting information, interpreting policy, delivering programs and responding to emergencies.
DROUGHT
The Ontario Low Water Response program defines three levels of low water conditions, based on streamflow and precipitation. The various levels of drought condition come into effect when the thresholds for streamflow and precipitation are reached.
Drought is defined as weather and low water conditions characterized by one or more of the following:
- a) below normal precipitation for an extended period o time (3 months or more), potentially combined with high rates of evaporation that result in lower lake levels, streamflows or baseflow or reduced soil moisture or groundwater storage;
- b) streamflows at the minimum required to sustain aquatic life while only meeting high priority demands for water, water wells becoming dry, surface water in storage allocated to maintain minimum streamflows;
- c) socio-economic effects occurring on individual properties and extending to larger areas of a watershed or beyond.
Level I - is the first indication of a potential water supply problem
The 3-month precipitation drops below 80% of the average 3 month totals and when monthly streamflow drops below the lowest average summer month flow for particular station
Level II - indicates a potentially serious problem
From Level I, enters Level II when 3 month total precipitation is between 60% and 40% of the average 3 month and when monthly streamflow is between 70% and 50% of the lowest average summer month flow
Level III - indicates the failure of the water supply to meet the demand
From Level II, when 3 month total precipitation drops below 40% of the 3 month average and when monthly streamflow drops below 50% of the lowest average summer month flow
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has been designated the lead ministry for drought emergencies. Drought emergencies will be handled on a watershed basis. The MNR disrict office and local Conservation Authority confirm watershed conditions.
Once Level I condition has been confirmed, the Conservation Authority establishes a Water Response Team to establish water use priorities and set up mitigating strategies.