Following a meeting of the County of Renfrew/Ministry of Natural Resources Water Response Team, it was decided that Renfrew County is still in a level 2 drought situation.

This involves the voluntary reduction of water by commercial, residential and business use by 20 per cent.

The Water Response Team(WRT) is co-ordinated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, per Government of Ontario policy, and is made up of representatives from: the Ontario Ministry of Environment, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Renfrew County municipalities and emergency services.

All county residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water usage. Some residents have reported that the wells on their properties have either dried up completely, or are providing minimal output.

The Water Response Team encourages residents with dry wells to contact well drillers for advice in terms of restoring water. As well, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit can answer questions in terms of water conditions throughout the county.

The Water Response Team has also developed a short questionnaire for residents and businesses that document the economic effects of this summer’s drought in the region. These forms are available at all local municipal offices, and residents are encouraged to take a moment to fill them out.