Showers had little impact
The recent rain showers experienced by the region Monday and Thursday have had little effect on soothing the parched landscape.
As a result, both the ban on open air burning and suggested water restrictions remain in place in Pembroke.
Doug Sitland, operations manager for the city of Pembroke, said the rain which did fall really didn’t make any kind of difference, lacking both the duration and the amount needed to ease the drought conditions.
While the city itself isn’t in any danger of completely running out of water – its source is the Ottawa River – he said it is important to remember others aren’t so fortunate, and every bit they can save does make a difference elsewhere.
Renfrew County has been declared at a Level 2 drought condition, which has officials encouraging a voluntary 20 per cent reduction in water usage. Because the forests are tinder dry, the fire danger is still being rated as extremely high, so people are being asked to respect municipal fire bans.