Low Water Status & Messages

LPRCA uses an easy-to-identify colour-coded system and issues the following types of low water messages:

Normal

When flow conditions are normal and water levels are generally where they are expected to be. It should be noted that during Normal flow conditions, the inherent risk to personal safety associated with flowing water still exists.

Level 1

A Level 1 Low Water Advisory is issued when:

• • stream flows over the past 30 days were at approximately 70% of their lowest average summer month flow; OR
  • the watershed’s precipitation over the past three months falls below 80% of the precipitation average for the time period.

Level 1 advisories report general conditions of the watershed and ask the public to reduce water consumption by 10%.

Level 2

A Level 2 Low Water Advisory is issued when:

• • stream flows over the past 30 days were at approximately 50% of their lowest average summer month flow; OR
  • the watershed’s precipitation over the past three months falls below 60% of the precipitation average for the time period.

Level 2 advisories also report specific drought-related concerns and ask all holders of Permits to Take Water and the general public to reduce water consumption by 20%. Municipalities may implement or increase restrictions on non-essential water use.

Level 3

A Level 3 Low Water Advisory is issued when:

• • stream flows over the past 30 days were at approximately 30% of their lowest average summer month flow; OR
  • the watershed’s precipitation over the past three months falls below 40% of the precipitation average for the time period.

Level 3 advisories also report the potential for significant harm to the ecosystem and economic impact to water takers. The Province may impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water.