SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - The RRCA’s Water Response Team has declared a Low Water Level 3 status for the RRCA’s watershed jurisdiction, effective Oct. 30, 2025. Level 3 can be declared when flows are less than 30 per cent of their normal summer low flow and/or precipitation has been less than 40 per cent of average. There can also be potential for economic harm to water users and/or significant harm to the ecosystem.
The RRCA monitors stream flows and precipitation data at gauges strategically placed throughout its jurisdiction in the City of Cornwall and townships of South Glengarry, North Glengarry, South Stormont, and North Stormont. While data records on Oct. 30 indicated that overall precipitation for the month was 52.2 mm, this is little more than half the historical normal average for October, which is 87.7 mm.
Monthly flows are currently below 30 per cent of normal. Water Response Team members – local representatives from municipal and provincial governments and other interest-holders – also shared documented reports of private residential wells having gone dry and observations of dried-up streams not typically dry this time of year.
The RRCA jurisdiction first entered a Level 1 Low Water status on Aug. 12, moving to Level 2 on Sept. 18. Residents and businesses are now asked to reduce their water consumption as much as possible, whether they are connected to municipal water supplies or to a private well. Residents are encouraged to check their municipality’s website to be aware of any municipal water conservation or fire bylaws in effect.
The RRCA will continue to monitor stream flows and precipitation as part of the Ontario Low Water Response Program and will provide updates as conditions change. For more information visit rrca.on.ca/LowWater or contact (613) 938-3611 or info@rrca.on.ca.
Water user feedback form
To help the RRCA better understand the impacts of this year’s weather, residents experiencing difficulties with their own water supplies are invited to contact the RRCA through a brief online feedback form at rrca.on.ca/LowWater.
Resources for residents with private wells
- Never put water into your well – this could damage the well or contaminate groundwater.
- Consider bulk water haulage services that provide water and storage tank rentals.
- Learn about groundwater, private water supplies and the different types of private rural water wells: ontario.ca/page/private-rural-water-supplies
- Tips for managing your well in times of water shortage: ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
- Contact the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – Water Well Help Desk
- Phone: 1-888-396-9355
- Email: wellshelpdesk@ontario.ca
- Contact a licensed well contractor if you need to do work on your well: ontario.ca/page/find-licenced-well-contractors
Water conservation tips
• Repair any leaks in your home (e.g., taps and toilets)
• Reduce non-essential water usage
• Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes
• Install a low consumption showerhead
About low water response and the RRCA
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) manages water use during a drought. Ontario’s Low Water Response Program ensures provincial and local authorities are prepared in the event of low water conditions. The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) assists the ministry by assessing local watershed conditions and notifying residents.