June 30th 2016
I'm hoping for more rain next month.
Issued June 30, 2016: Watershed Conditions Statement — Drought Conditions Continues at Moderate
June 30, 2016 – The precipitation indicator for Moderate Drought of 60% of normal was reached last Sunday. Rainfall since then has had a minimal impact and conditions remain very dry.
Flows in the Rideau River at Ottawa are at 25% of normal for the time of year. Two of the major tributary streams, Jock River and Kemptville Creek, are both flowing at about 6% of normal. The Tay River is in relatively better shape benefitting from outflow from Bobs Lake, one of the Rideau Canal reservoir lakes. Smaller streams are intermittent or dry and aquatic habitat is compromised for all species.
The Drought Thresholds are:
- Minor: 80% of Normal Precipitation for 540 day and/or 90 day precipitation totals
- Moderate: 60% of Normal Precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals
- Severe: 40% of Normal Precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals
June 29th
Just a bit early this morning, but welcomed!
June 28th
Overnight, a wee drop of rain. Quite welcomed. Still down by 2/3 for the month.
June 27
I was hopeful, but not confident. We did end up with 8mm, which is far better than none. We should have had about 160mm this month.
June 23
(WCS - 15/2016)
June 23, 2016 – With no rain until Monday in weather forecasts, it is expected that the drought status for the Rideau River watershed will pass the threshold from Minor to Moderate Severity by Sunday. The amount of rain forecast for Monday will do little to reverse the trend of deepening drought.
Flows in the Rideau River at Ottawa are 15% of normal for the time of year. Larger tributary streams are about 6% of normal and many small streams are intermittent or dry. Aquatic habitat is becoming limited for all species.
June 20th
Storms: despite all these warnings, we only had 1mm (0.04") of rain.
10% reduction in water consumption…
June 17th
RVCA Reports that we are back to Mild Drought Conditions.
Streamflows increased to about 50% of normal after the June 5 rain but have declined again to about 15% of normal for the time of year. The Tay looks as if it is September. At the beginning of the month we had orange: Moderately Severe Drought.
Tips — How to Conserve Water
(click to read lots more about saving water in the house.) |
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In the yard
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- Don't water lawns and gardens when a municipal water shortage warning is in effect.
- If you must water, only water gardens and lawns once a week, no more than one inch in total, including rain.
- Avoid watering on windy days.
- Water your lawn and plants in the morning — evaporation occurs at a slower rate than if you watered in the hot sun.
- Cut grass less frequently.
- Cut grass higher it reduces evaporation and increases moisture.
- Compost your food leftovers and leaves — add compost to lawns and gardens
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn, they help retain moisture.
- Collect and use rainwater for your lawn and gardens — it's free and better for your plants than municipally supplied water or well water. Consider buying a rain barrel.
- Fix that leaking hose and dripping nozzle.
- Plant drought resistant plants — convert your lawns to low-care perennials.
- Plant more trees around your house to reduce energy needs.
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June 16
We have cloud cover, but unlikely we get rain here in SE Ontario!
June 15th
After our big storm last week, hopefully rain tonight.
June 11
June 9th
It's darned cold and cloudy!!!! Not as cold as in 1980...
June 8th
Pretty cool today. We've had a goodly amount of rain, however.
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| 48.2 F. |
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| This bodes well. |
June 7th
Big, puffy storm clouds, sun, and rain!
June 5th
Rain!!!!!!!!!!!!! 16 C. and lots of wonderful clouds bringing more rain. Happy dance! We had 21.336 mm!
June 4
Still no rain. Maybe tomorrow, Sunday.
June 3, 2016 – With little effective rainfall on the Rideau watershed for the last two months, the drought status is now moderately severe.
June 2nd
So far, not so good. It just missed us. So far, 0.254mm not even 0.01"
I hope June brings some rain...
