Heather Wright/The Independent

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority says it is the first indication of potential water supply problems and they’re asking you to take action to help.

The authority issued a Level 1 Low Water Condition advisory Saturday. 

Oct. 17, special committee met to review the precipitation levels and water flow conditions in the region. 

“Precipitation data collected throughout the watershed indicates that the rainfall average for this July, August, and September is now below the three-month historical average,” officials said in a news release.

“Stream flow data was also reviewed which provided further indications of dry conditions. Reduced rainfall leads to low flows as there is a lack of water to replenish creeks, streams, and wetlands. An observed reduction below 70 per cent of the normal flows at the SCRCA flow gauges has confirmed this sequence of events.

So the committee declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition which is declared when a watershed receives only 80 per cent or less of the normal amount of precipitation over three months.

“With the declaration of a Level 1 Low Water Status, watershed residents are encouraged to undertake a voluntary 10 per cent reduction in water use. Reduction or elimination in activities such a pressure washing driveways, watering lawns, and washing vehicles are means to achieve the 10 per cent  reduction.”

That officials say, will help reduce the risk of more cutbacks in the future.