With below average rainfall in the past few weeks, the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority has issued a Level 1 low water condition for Kettle Creek.
Creek and stream flows have dropped to less than 70 per cent of the lowest average summer flow.
“Dry conditions as a result of low precipitation and unusually high air temperatures this summer have had an impact on water levels throughout the watershed,” explains Jennifer Dow, KCCA’s Water Resources Supervisor.
“What the watershed needs is several days of sustained, moderate rain rather than the short, intense thunderstorms we’ve seen this summer.”
Water users are asked to reduce consumption by 10 per cent.
The authority advises watering lawns twice weekly in the evening instead of every day and cutting back on car washes may help residents reduce their non-essential water consumption.
Other simple water conservation practices include:
• Use a rain barrel to catch water for your gardens.
• Install efficient showerheads, taps, and toilets.
• Use a broom to clean your driveway, not a garden hose.
• Plant native trees, plants and grasses that are heat and drought resistant.
• Utilize mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
• Check and repair household leaks
The Dodd Creek and Upper Kettle Creek subwatersheds are most affected, with some small creeks and drains completely dried up.
Low flows are expected to continue into the fall. With soils extremely dry, significant prolonged rainfall is needed before creeks return to normal levels.
Written by Ian McCallum
