We have developed a couple of surveys to better help people report their concerns and observations from this year’s drought. Our staff monitor responses and answer residents as needed; and use information to guide low water response.
- A survey has been developed for farmers to report impact of drought conditions to their operations water supplies: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=x5sebKeP10-GyXXHprW37uK1hoOaAphHtL0ry_xiOTxUNk8zTVVLOTExTU9EVDdKTThQNlJTOFdDWi4u
- A survey has been developed for all other residents and commercial or recreational water users to submit their observations and concerns: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e7f7fb6cb05c4e5b88a8e456ce1c2940?
They’re also both available in English and French on our website here: https://www.nation.on.ca/water/watershed-conditions/flood-forecasting-warning/current-watershed-conditions
Rain Improves Drought Conditions in Parts of SNC Jurisdiction
The South Nation Conservation (SNC) Water Response Team has downgraded the Lower South Nation, Bear Brook and Castor River Subwatersheds to Level I (minor) low water conditions effective August 13, 2020
In the past couple of weeks Eastern Ontario has received significant rainfall, bringing some relief to drought conditions and helping to replenish ground and surface water across the three subwatersheds.
The Upper South Nation Subwatershed continues to experience Level II (moderate) low water conditions due to persistent hot and dry weather in the region.
Domestic, commercial, and agricultural water consumers can help mitigate the impacts of low water conditions by implementing efficiencies and reducing their water consumption by 10% (Level I) and 20% (Level II) through limiting non-essential use (e.g. lawn watering, car washing, etc.). Residents should be aware of their municipality's water conservation and fire by-laws.
Landowners are encouraged to contact SNC through an online portal on SNC’s website if they are experiencing any problems with their wells or if they have any concerns and information to share with staff.
SNC has also developed an online survey for farmers to report their low water concerns and observations from this year’s drought. Anonymous survey data will be used to measure the severity of low water conditions and will be shared with stakeholders to guide future drought response and fund development for drought support programs.
SNC's Water Response Team, created under the Ontario Low Water Response program, consists of representatives from provincial and municipal governments, agriculture, and special interest groups. SNC will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide updates as required.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Omar Kana’n, Water Resources Specialist – Engineering,
613-984-2948, okanan@nation.on.ca.
South Nation Conservation (SNC) is committed to supporting municipalities, partners, and people as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic unfolds. Updates and changes to our operations and business continuity are posted online: www.nation.on.ca/coronavirus. In accordance with the Government of Ontario’s Emergency Orders, many outdoor physical recreational amenities were closed. SNC plans to re-open public boat launches and river access points and select Conservation Areas. Some sites will open on Saturday, May 16th; some on Tuesday, May 19th, 2020.
- There are no physical structures, permanent washrooms, or amenities at previously open sites.
- There are maintained pedestrian bridges and recreational trails.
- Regular maintenance activities will continue.
- SNC will not be installing portable washrooms for the time being.
- New signs with public health directives will be reinstalled at all sites on Tuesday, May 19th.
The following Conservation Area continue to remain open and maintained for passive recreation (walking):
• Two Creek Forest Conservation Area (Morrisburg)
• Oschmann Forest Conservation Area (Ormond)
• Robert Graham Conservation Area (Glen Stewart)
• Warwick Forest Conservation Area (Berwick)
• J. Henry Tweed Conservation Area (Russell)
• W. E. Burton Conservation Area (Russell)
• Reveler Conservation Area (Crysler)
• Nokomis Park (Limoges)
SNC is launching Live Educational Video Series to Engage with Families at Home. Beginning May 7th, South Nation Conservation (SNC) will be live streaming family-friendly educational videos on Facebook every Thursday at 1:00 pm as part of a new series called Nature at Home.
Appropriate COVID-19 precautionary measures are in place to support staff while outside. People must maintain distances while on trails, for a list of properties still available for walking visit:
www.nation.on.ca/coronavirus.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Taylor Campbell, Communications Specialist,
613-551-7158, tcampbell@nation.on.ca.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
- Portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
- Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan
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