As of Wednesday, January 28, the South Nation Conservation (SNC) has lifted its Low Water Advisory after water conditions returned to normal across the conservation authority’s jurisdiction.
The decision was made by the SNC Water Response Team following recent monitoring data showing widespread recovery in key low-water indicators throughout the watershed.
The advisory had been in effect since August 25, 2025, when SNC declared a Level 3 (Severe) Low Water Advisory in response to prolonged hot and dry weather, significant precipitation deficits, and extremely low baseflow conditions across the region.
During that period, groundwater levels dropped to record lows at several Provincial Groundwater Monitoring Network wells. SNC also received numerous reports of dry or low-yielding private wells from residents throughout the watershed.
Although rainfall returned to more typical levels in late October and early November, helping to ease drought conditions, the earlier water deficit was severe. As a result, many residents continued to experience water availability issues into early December.
Conditions improving across the watershed
According to SNC, mild weather combined with rainfall and snowmelt events in mid-December, and early January supported a gradual recovery across the jurisdiction. Recent data now indicates a return to normal conditions for stream flows, groundwater levels and other low-water indicators.
Based on these findings, the Water Response Team, which includes representatives from municipal and provincial governments, stakeholders and water users, determined that the Level 3 Low Water Advisory could be lifted.
Continued water conservation encouraged
While conditions have improved, SNC is encouraging residents and water users, particularly those who rely on private wells, to continue using water efficiently to support long-term water sustainability.
South Nation Conservation will continue to monitor rainfall, stream flows and water levels across the region to track conditions and respond if necessary.
