Drought

Water shortages can lead to droughtWater shortages can lead to drought

A water shortage is when the human demand for water exceeds available water supply. In comparison, a drought is a prolonged period of extremely low or complete lack of precipitation. Droughts are natural events of varying duration that have occurred throughout history and they are part of the natural fluctuations of the planet's climate system.

While droughts can occur anywhere, regions with a semi-arid or arid climate and low levels of annual precipitation are more vulnerable to droughts. In Canada, southern Saskatchewan, Alberta and the interior valleys of British Columbia experience frequent droughts.

Types of Drought

Meteorological Drought

Meteorological drought is measured on the basis of the degree of dryness in comparison to average amounts of rainfall for a particular area and the duration of the dry period. The common practice to date has been to use the percentage of normal rainfall as an indicator of drought.

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Why be Concerned?

In recent years, south western and eastern Ontario have experienced extended periods of low rainfall and high temperatures. These weather conditions have resulted in some of the lowest lake and river levels and driest soils recorded for several decades.

It is expected that rainfall will increase by 5 to 10%, in Québec however the annual distribution will be uneven. Excessive rain in the spring promotes the development of surface roots which can lead to a greater sensitivity to drought.  Québec is seeing more frequent droughts, even in August and later in late summer.

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Private Wells

Private wells are dependent on groundwater resources for water supply, and can experience water shortages as a result of droughts. When private wells experience shortages they should be examined to determine whether the problem is a malfunctioning well and pump equipment or over demand of ground water supplies.

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Drought Management

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada play an important role in supporting farmers during drought. They provide long term water assessments, agricultural weather reporting, farm water management strategies and financial support programs for farms that are heavily effected by drought.

For more information see Drought Watch - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Ontario

DroughtDroughtDuring regular water levels the Conservation Authorities in Ontario are responsible for managing water flows within their regions. Providing water from the source to homes is the responsibility of the local municipal government. However, when there is concern for water shortages or droughts, many levels and departments of government work together to prevent and manage water shortages and droughts.

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How to Prevent and Manage Drought

Everyone should be able to access clean water. That's why it's important for everyone to conserve water, and use it efficiently.  During drought, effective and equitable water management is even more important because the lack of rain reduces the available supply of water, while demand - particularly for lawn watering and crop irrigation - increases.

Individuals play an important role in moving beyond water shortages and drought through:

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