SD&G – With little rain and complaints of wells running dry, portions of SD&G are now in a moderate drought situation.
The South Nation Conservation Authority raised its drought severity level from “minor” to “moderate” late Thursday.
The region has dealt with a minor drought since the beginning of May and conditions have not improved, the conservation authority said.
Rain meters in Cornwall, Brockville and Ottawa are showing levels roughly 60 per cent below normal over the last three months.
“Many small streams are beginning to dry up increasing algae growth, with longtime residents commenting that they have never seen water levels so low in June,” SNCA said in a statement.
People in the South Nation watershed, which includes portions of Stormont and Dundas County and North Glengarry are being asked to reduce water consumption by 20 per cent and limiting non-essential uses.
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority, which covers portions of Glengarry and Stormont County and the City of Cornwall, is still at a “minor” drought stage as of Wednesday (July 6), according to the RRCA website.
“At this time the RRCA is still confirming Level 1 Low Water Status,” RRCA Water Resources Engineer Phil Barnes told Cornwall Newswatch.
The RRCA is actively monitoring water conditions in the region.