MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED – The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reports dry, hot weather is leading to low water conditions in West Carleton.

“Due to hot, dry weather, flows in rivers and streams have been slowly dropping over the past month,” MVCA water resource technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today (July 8). “This has led to below average conditions throughout the watershed for this time of year.”

Most of the upper lakes in the watershed are at summer target levels but evaporation could become a significant concern if current conditions persist. This is expected given what little rainfall is in current forecasts.

“The MVCA is currently mobilizing the Mississippi Valley Low Water Response Team and is anticipating declaring a Level I Low Water Condition in the next week,” North said. “Residents outside the City of Ottawa 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.

“A significant rainfall over a large portion of the watershed will be required to return the watershed to normal conditions,” North said.

This Watershed Conditions Statement is valid through July 17.

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