The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) reduced the watershed status from moderate low water to minor severity. The statement was released yesterday.
The RVCA says Kemptville Creek has responded little to the rainfall. The creek has flows about 6 percent of normal measured downstream of Oxford Mills. Habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures is diminished and populations are likely to be affected.
The RVCA says long range forecasts indicate warmer than normal conditions through the rest of the summer. If the forecasts are on point, flows and levels within the watershed will fall well below normal.
Conditions are currently close to normal due to record rainfall measured at several climate monitoring stations in eastern Ontario between July 21 and 28.
Despite the rain, flows are declining again and can be expected to descend below average again with rising temperatures next week. Rideau Canal reservoir lakes are 10 to 20 centimetres below target levels, with the exception of Bobs Lake.
The RVCA says people should continue conserving water.