2025 drought in SDG Counties
SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - 2025 produced sunny skies from Alexandria to Morrisburg - but barely a thimble-full of rain.
For months our region has been plagued by a drought, with rainfall amounts plummeting to less than half of the normal for this period of the year in some locales.
As a consequence, many municipalities in our region have instituted burn bans, and even water use bans, as officials attempt to combat the stifling heat, lack of rain and unending sun.
The state of things in SDG Counties
As of August, 2025 both the South Nation Conservation Authority and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority have instituted low-water advisories for their respective jurisdictions.
South Nation Conservation
Things appear to be a bit worse in the South Nation region. On Monday, Aug. 25, South Nation instituted a Level 3 low-water advisory. This is the most extreme low-water condition. This happens when flows are less than 30 per cent of their normal summer low flow and there is potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem.
Raisin Region
After meeting with its Water Response Team, the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) confirmed on Oct. 30, 2025, that it is upgrading the RRCA jurisdiction’s Low Water status to Level 3. 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..
Burn bans
Municipalities institute burn bans primarily to prevent wildfires, protect public safety, and safeguard air quality during periods of high fire risk. These bans restrict or prohibit open-air fires, including campfires and the burning of yard waste, to minimize the chance of accidental ignition and rapid fire spread. The following municipalities in SDG Counties have instituted burn bans:
Water use bans
Municipalities in Ontario implement water use bans, also known as water restrictions, primarily to manage and conserve water resources during periods of high demand or potential shortages. This helps ensure a reliable water supply for essential needs, including drinking water, fire protection, and other critical uses, while also protecting the environment. The following municipalities have instituted water-use bans:
Residents with specific questions concerning the status of things in their municpality should reach out to their respective local township officials for clarification.
Tips to conserve water
If you are a homeowner or renter:
- Repair all leaks in taps and toilets
- Take shorter showers. Avoid baths.
- Follow municipal water use restrictions (for example: lawn watering, car washing)
- Choose drought-resistant trees and plants
- Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes
If you are a farmer:
- Check your irrigation systems regularly for leaks
- Irrigate in the evening or later in the day when temperatures are lower and there is less evaporation loss
- Avoid irrigating during windy conditions
- Use rain gauges to measure how much water your crops are getting
- Ensure the irrigation system doesn’t water faster than the ground can absorb it
If you work in the agricultural or manufacturing industries:
- Set up a water conservation program
- Survey plant operations
- Determine ways to increase efficiency
Looking ahead
As of Aug. 25, 2025, meteorologists are forecasting some small rain/shower events between now and the second week of September. Increased rain/shower events are forecast for the second week of September.
