Level 2 Low Water Condition Declared for West Carleton-March
- Ward 5 Staff
- Aug 13
- 6 min read
On August 6, 2025, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority declared a Level 2 Low Water Condition within the Carp River Watershed, as per the Province’s Low Water Response Program.
The Carp River Watershed (shown on this map on their website) includes portions of the following wards:
• Ward 5 - West Carleton-March
• Ward 6 - Stittsville
• Ward 4 - Kanata North
• Ward 21 - Rideau-Jock
k• Ward 23 - Kanata South
A Level 2 low water condition is declared when rainfall is less than 60% of historical averages and/or stream flows are less than 50% of their normal summer low flows.
At this level, holders of Permits to Take Water are encouraged to reduce their consumption by 20%. These permits are typically held by private organizations for commercial industrial uses, golf course irrigation, construction, etc.
Residents with a private drinking water system in the impacted areas (e.g. groundwater well) are also asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption to protect their well systems.
Recommended actions on how residents can reduce their water consumption can be found on the Conservation Authority’s website: Low Water Status – Carp River – MVCA.
To date, South Nation Conservation Authority and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority have declared Level 1 (minor) low water conditions. South Nation Conservation Authority has declared within its entire watershed jurisdiction (shown on this map on their website) and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has declared along the Jock River, Lower Rideau, and Kemptville Creek subwatersheds (shown on this map on their website).
Both Conservation Authorities continue to monitor conditions within their respective watersheds. A Level 3 or severe drought condition would occur if rainfall amounts become less than 40% of average for the time of year and/or stream flows become less than 30% of their normal summer low flows.
Impacts to the City’s Municipal Drinking Water System
The City’s central drinking water system is not impacted by the current low water conditions. The water purification plants draw water from the Ottawa River, and daily water demand is less than 1% of the daily flow. 93% of City of Ottawa residents are connected to the City’s central drinking water system and are not affected by the Level 1 or Level 2 low water declarations.
The City’s six communal well systems draw upon groundwater aquifers. Although none of the City’s systems have experienced water capacity constraints thus far, out of an abundance of caution, it is recommended that residents in the communities of Carp, Munster, Richmond, Greely and Vars follow the recommendations of the applicable Conservation Authority.
The City of Ottawa is in regular communication with the local Conservation Authorities and Provincial Ministries and participates in the low water response team for the most up-to-date information. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and advise further if conditions change.
Local Conservation Authorities are responsible for sharing advisories with impacted residents and they are doing so via their website, resident email lists and social media, in addition to earned media. We will also share this information when available.
If you have any questions, please contact Susan Johns, Director of Asset Management Services, at 613-808-0736.
Some frequently asked questions:
Do residents have obligations to report if their well runs dry to assist with monitoring?
There is no obligation to report dry wells, however it helps the Conservation Authority and Province to monitor conditions across the watershed, including mapping spatial trends in decreasing groundwater levels, as well as tracking the social and economic impacts of the low water conditions.
In addition, please note that staff at the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks “Wells Help Desk” (Wells on your property | ontario.ca) can provide advice on how to manage private wells if residents are experiencing issues.
Is there an appropriate way for residents to find out whether their private well is running low?
An infographic prepared by South Nation Conservation is attached which lists some indicators that a private well may go dry, including: a drop in water pressure; air bubbles in the water; water that looks cloudy or dirty; or no water at all.
Shallow or dug wells are more susceptible to going dry in times of drought, residents can verify the depth and initial water level in the well from when the well was drilled to help determine if their well is more susceptible to going dry. Well records can be located through the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: Map: Well records | ontario.ca
Residents who are experiencing issues with their private wells may seek advice from the Wells Help Desk, managed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks: Wells on your property | ontario.ca. In addition, please see the following detailed information about how to manage private wells in times of low water.
It is not recommended that residents open their wells or put items in their wells to attempt to measure the water level, since this may introduce contaminants and safety measures should be considered since there are electrical components/wires associated with the well pump. Residents are encouraged to contact a licensed well contractor to help assess potential issues with the pump, pressure tank or well. A list of licensed well contractors can be found here: Find licensed well contractors | ontario.ca
Are residents allowed to refill their well (order a water truck)?
Residents are responsible for managing their wells. However, it is not recommended that residents refill their well with water from a water hauler. If a well has gone dry due to lower water levels in the aquifer, then new water added to the well will exit to into the aquifer and will not fix the long-term water shortage issue. In addition, adding water to the well may introduce unwanted contaminants to the well.
If a resident’s well has gone dry, it is recommended that resident contact a licensed well contractor (Find licensed well contractors | ontario.ca) to assess the issue and provide advice on how to safely move forward. Recommendations may be related to lowering the level of pump in the well, deepening the existing well if possible, or drilling a new well.
Should a drought impact the water supply in a whole community, at what point would it trigger our emergency plans and what response do we have in our plans?
In Ontario, property owners are responsible for their wells. Well management and mitigation during low water periods rests with the Owners. The Conservation Authorities will provide guidance if low water conditions persist or change to Level 3. Level 3 does not imply an emergency – it states a high likelihood of drought conditions. Any response the City takes would be identified based on the specifics of the situation at the time, and in coordination with Emergency & Protective Servies Dept, including Public Safety Service.
Parks and Sports fields
Several of our sports fields have irrigation systems that are supporting their maintenance. Residents can expect to see those continue in this dryer weather to maintain the playing surface. In park areas without irrigation, we expect the grass will continue to go dormant if this weather pattern continues. Residents can continue to use the sport fields, park space and splash pads as usual. Residents using a propane-fueled BBQ as part of a city-park rental agreement must locate it a minimum distance of five meters from any building, hedge, fence, overhead wiring, or other combustible material.
City-Owned Forests
The City does not plan to restrict access to municipal forests at this time. Given the heat, forests are a good refuge from the temperatures and humidity. Should this change, we will advise Council. Residents are reminded that campfires are never permitted in municipal forests. Motor and off-road vehicles – such as ATVs, trucks and motorbikes – are not permitted while the road access to the forests is closed. If residents do see recreational motor and off-road vehicles in forests where they aren’t currently permitted, they can report this to the Ottawa Police Service’s non-emergency team at 613-236-1222.
As with any City property, smoking is not permitted in parks or forests.
Thankfully, there was some rain on Wednesday, but staff will continue to monitor the impact of the weather.
