Low Water Advisory issued for the North Bay – Mattawa Watershed

A Low Water Advisory for Level 1 Conditions has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

“The North Bay Airport climate station has recorded a total of 249.5 mm of rainfall for May, June and July, which is 84.9% of the long-term average (1991-2020) of 227 mm.” said NBMCA Duty Officer Angela Mills. “Three of the four local stream gauges are reporting flow between 30% and 71% of normal for the month of August,” she added.

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Due to the lack of rainfall and low water levels across the watershed, all residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water consumption, targeting an overall water usage reduction of 10%.

The vulnerability of municipal water supply systems within the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) area of jurisdiction were assessed through a water budget stress assessment as part of the Drinking Water Source Protection program. All municipal water intakes within NBMCA jurisdiction were determined to have a low level of risk. Municipal water supply issues are not anticipated at this time. Private water systems were not assessed.

Low water levels mean that submerged hazards may be closer to the surface in some areas than in the past. Boaters are encouraged to exercise additional caution in areas with low water.

As part of the NBMCA Low Water Response Program, staff at NBMCA will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates as conditions change. The general public is advised of these messages through the www.nbmca.ca website with the Low Water status icon and a link to information about current conditions.

This message will be in effect until further notice.