Flood Status
Low Water Response
Lake Superior Level

What is Ontario Low Water Response?

The Ontario Low Water Response Program is intended to ensure provincial preparedness, to assist in coordination and to support local response in the event of a drought.

Water Response Teams are initiated by Conservation Authorities (or MNR in Districts where Conservation Authorities do not exist) and are tailored to individual watersheds. They provide a watershed context and coordinated response. The Lakehead Water Response Team has membership from: LRCA, OPG, MNR, MECP, OMAFA, City of Thunder Bay, Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge and Thunder Bay Forest Products.

The role of the Water Response Team is to coordinate local action to minimize the impacts of drought. Water Response Teams do not replace existing agencies, policies and statutes but rather they facilitate the coordination of water management agencies, non-government groups and users. Water Response Teams do not possess any unique legislative authority but can help by advising on the current regulations and tools. The program also provides analysis and documentation of low water conditions.

Low Water Level Indicators

Level Condition Action
Level I
  • Monthly precipitation is below 80% of the average.
  • In the spring, monthly water flow in streams is less than 100% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • At other times the monthly flow is less than 70% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • The potential for water supply problems is identified.
 Water users will be asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 10%.
Level II
  • Monthly precipitation is 40% – 60% of the average.
  • In the spring, the monthly flow in streams is less than 70% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • At other times the monthly flow is less than 50% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • Minor water supply issues are encountered. There is the potential for major supply problems.
 Water users will be asked to voluntarily reduce their water use by 20% or greater.
Level III
  • Monthly precipitation is less than 40% of the average.
  • In the spring, the monthly flow in streams is less than 50% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • At other times the monthly flow is less than 30% of the lowest average summer month flow.
  • Supply no longer meets demand. Social and economic impacts are experienced.
 Voluntary measures have not produced the necessary response. Restrictions proposed by the Water Response Team and approved by the Government of Ontario will be put into action.

Monthly Summaries

Water Conservation Tips

  • Repair all leaking water fixtures such as toilets and taps
  • Don’t rinse food or dishes under the tap – use water in a bowl or the sink instead
  • Keep a jug of water in the fridge rather than running the tap for cold water
  • Use water and energy saving cycle on dishwasher
  • Use the dishwasher only when full
  • Use Low Flow toilets and shower heads
  • Don’t run the water while brushing teeth
  • Take a shower rather than a bath
  • Shower for 5-minutes instead of 10 – it saves about 40-litres of water
  • Wash only full loads of laundry
  • Don’t water your lawn or garden during Low Water conditions
  • Water lawn or garden once a week in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
  • Leave grass clippings on the lawn to retain moisture
  • Plant drought resistant trees, plants and grasses