As dry conditions continue across southern Ontario, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has entered a Level 1 Low Water Level Condition, and is asking individuals and businesses in the GTA to voluntarily apply water conservation measures wherever possible.
Despite a number of isolated showers over the last week, the GTA region is still facing a significant precipitation deficit. Since the beginning of May, Pearson International Airport has recorded approximately 75mm of rainfall. This is nearly 60 per cent below the normal amount of precipitation for this time of year.
Fortunately, deep groundwater systems have helped to mitigate the effects of this drought, however many creeks and rivers are starting to fall below normal levels for this time of year.
To help preserve our surface water and groundwater resources – and the ecosystems that rely on them, TRCA is asking all water users in York, Peel and Durham municipalities to reduce indoor and outdoor water use by 10 per cent. This includes municipalities, aggregate operations, golf courses, water bottlers, farms for irrigation and private users.
The most effective thing residents can do right now is to follow their municipal outdoor water use bylaws, which limit watering to specific days and times.
TRCA will continue to monitor conditions over the next month and report any change in conditions. For more information on the Ontario Low Water Response Program please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program