Flood Notice

CCCA in Level 2 Low Water Condition : May 25, 2012

Consistent with the Ontario Low Water Response criteria, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) is issuing a Level 2 Low Water Advisory Condition for the Catfish Creek watershed. The Ontario Low Water Response indicators identify that Catfish Creek precipitation and flows are below the required Provincial seasonal thresholds, for the period ending May 24th. They are as follows:
• 18 month, 3 month and 1 month precipitation indicators are below the 60% threshold of average precipitation.

We are eagerly requesting all water users and residents of the Catfish Creek watershed to limit non-essential water use such as private swimming pools, lawn watering, public and private fountains and vehicle washing, this coupled with an additional 20% voluntary reduction in water use is being strongly advised to ensure there remains an adequate supply for essential use and to sustain aquatic ecosystems. Limiting residential non-essential water use through municipally directed water conservation programs and through the utilization of Irrigation Best Management Practices is highly recommended to help lessen the impact on water resources.

The CCCA along with partner government agencies are escalating the monitoring of water levels, precipitation, weather forecasts and water use, and will provide updates when available or required. In agreement with applicable provincial agencies (OMAFRA, MNR, and MOE), Authority Member Municipalities, local agricultural and industrial group representatives CCCA has an established “Low Water Response Team” and a agriculture industry driven Irrigation Advisory Committee (IAC) to improve low water response and assist landowners with water resource related concerns in the watershed.

As a reminder, if landowners take water from either surface or groundwater sources (sand points, wells, pumping directly from the streams); they may require a permit from the Ministry of the Environment. If conditions continue to deteriorate, further regulation of surface and groundwater takings will be considered.