ORCA Low Water Status Remains at Normal Level in the Otonabee Region Watershed

Peterborough, Ontario (July 19, 2022) The Otonabee Region Low Water Response Team met on July 18th to review the Region’s precipitation, temperature, and stream flow monitoring data. Watershed conditions show that the area is not in a drought condition at this time and therefore the low water status will remain as, normal.

Otonabee Conservation’s ongoing monthly analysis of watershed conditions reveal that above-normal air temperatures in March triggered an earlier than normal Spring freshet (snowmelt, ice cover break-up, and ground thaw). This is third consecutive year that this has happened.

In addition, four of the first six months of 2022 saw below normal precipitation receipts and as of May 31st, short term (3-month) precipitation totals were 71% and 74% of normal at the Peterborough Airport and Trent University meteorological monitoring stations. 

“Short-term precipitation receipts were below 80% of normal at the end of May indicating a Level 1 seasonal drought,” explains Otonabee Conservation’s Water Resources Technologist, Gordon Earle, “However, we received well above normal rainfall in June, so the immediate concerns of drought have been alleviated.”

Long-term dry conditions continued at the end of June, with both meteorological monitoring stations showing long-term (18-month) precipitation deficits that were well below normal. However, the levels are above the Level 1 drought thresholds and therefore the status is normal. 

The Otonabee Region Water Response Team, with representatives from local municipalities, water management agencies, the community, provincial and federal agencies, and Otonabee Conservation, will continue to monitor and review the situation. The Team will meet early in August to review July’s conditions and will issue an advisory if there are any changes to the status. 

More information on the Low Water Response Program is available on the Otonabee Conservation website at www.otonabeeconservation.com. 

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