A hot summer with a lack of rain has taken its toll on water levels in eastern Ontario, prompting local authorities to urge some well users to conserve water.
Rainfall amounts recorded along the Rideau River’s watershed over the past three months have only been about 60 per cent of normal.
While levels and flows in creeks and the Rideau River are below normal, they’re not yet at critical levels.
A chance of rain is in the forecast for Ottawa every day this week, but will not be enough to have a significant effect on water levels.
"Unfortunately, it’s not widespread rain, so it’s hit-and-miss," explained Jill Taylor, 1310 NEWS meteorologist.
"Some areas will have the precipitation, but other areas will stay quite dry."
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says the rain, while welcome, will not have a significant impact.
It’s urging well water users to use water conservatively.
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says it is in minor drought conditions, and is urging households on wells to voluntarily reduce water usage by ten per cent.
Dry conditions have prompted conservation authorities across Ontario to issue similar statements, urging residents in their jurisdictions to stop using water for things like power washing and to start using rain barrels to water plants and lawns.