Water levels across the watershed remain low despite recent precipitation. Some areas of the watershed received substantial rainfall over the past two weeks, however this did not significantly affect flows and levels.

 The annual fall drawdown of the upper lakes will commence after the Thanksgiving long weekend. This will provide some additional flows in the lower portion of the watershed, but flows will not increase and the system will not return to normal conditions without precipitation.

 Area residents and industries are urged to conserve the use of water. MVC strongly recommends residents follow the Level 1 Low Water Response request for a voluntary reduction of water usage by 10 percent.

 The prolonged dry conditions over the course of the summer have caused several small streams and wetland areas to be dry. This will impact both the plants and animals in those areas particularly if conditions persist into the winter. This is a natural process that can only be mitigated by rainfall.

 Residents are advised to use caution when venturing out on area waterways as additional shoals or other obstacles in the water may be exposed due to the lower water levels.

 Find tips on conserving water and daily water levels and flows on the MVC website at www.mvc.on.ca.

 The Mississippi Valley Conservation low water response program monitors weather conditions, river flows and water levels and issues watershed conditions bulletins as required.