MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED — Despite the spate of rainy days, the Mississippi Valley Watershed water levels remain low.

“This statement is to advise that despite the rainfall received over the last week, the entire watershed remains at a Level I Low Water Condition,” Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) water resource technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today (Aug. 11). “Rainfall received over the last few weeks has brought significant relief to the system, however this has only been a temporary reprieve and residents are advised to continue to conserve water at this time.”

The Mississippi Valley Watershed received almost 100 millimetre of precipitation, bringing many of the precipitation indicators out of drought status.

“Although we have seen an increase in flows from these storm events, the flows in most of the tributaries remain well below normal for this time of year,” North said.

With the dry hot weather continuing and insignificant rain in the forecast, stream flows and lake levels are expected to recede as low water conditions persist. Under a Level I Low Water Condition, watershed residents, businesses and industries throughout the Mississippi Valley are asked to reduce their water use by 10 per cent.

“The MVCA encourages everybody to continue to use water wisely and apply water conservation measures,” North said. “All water users not on the City of Ottawa municipal system are strongly urged to reduce their consumption of ground and surface water. Residents are encouraged to conserve water by capturing precipitation using rain barrels to water lawns and gardens, and to avoid using pressure washers. Please check your local municipalities’ website for current water usage restrictions.”

This Watershed Conditions Statement is valid through Sept 8. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website.