No Drought This Fall

The Otonabee Region Low Water Response Team met on September 15th to review watershed conditions. It was determined that the area is not in a drought condition and therefore the low water status will remain as, normal.

In August, the average mean daily air temperatures for the month was 1.1 degrees Celsius above normal.

Streamflow did deteriorate along Jackson Creek and the Ouse River in August, however this was driven by the dryness and evaporation/transpiration that occurred in July and first half of August; the second half of August saw increased precipitation and along with it, increased streamflow and likely some replenishment of shallow groundwater supplies.

Rainfall totals over the past 3-month and 18-month periods both indicate improvements and therefore there are no short-term or long-term concerns for drought.

As we move into the fall, evaporation/transpiration rates are lower, air temperatures are dropping, and the growing season is over. Also, normally with the fall comes regional-scale rainfall events, which means that there are very low concerns for drought through the remainder of this year.

The team has met four times over the summer months to review precipitation, temperature, and streamflow monitoring data. Although conditions may have seemed dry at times, the low water status has remained as ‘normal’ all season long.

Otonabee Conservation will continue to analyse watershed conditions. The Otonabee Region Water Response Team, with representatives from local municipalities, water management agencies, the community, provincial and federal agencies will meet in 2023 to continue monitoring conditions.

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

For more information contact:
Janette Loveys Smith | CAO\Secretary-Treasurer
Otonabee Conservation
jsmith@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-3238 x22