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q v tinue," Ray Guther, manager of watershed engi- neering services for CH, wrote in his report pre- sented to CH's resource planning and water advisory committee during its June 15 meeting. The program was set up after the Provincial Low Water Level Response Task Force recom- mended the government develop a low-water level strategy. Part of the strategy is to set up an action plan so CH will know how to respond to low water levels in its watershed, said Robert Edmondson, director of watershed management services. According to Mr. Guther's report, the Ministry of Natural Resources will regularly monitor water levels. servation authorities to confirm the results, Mr. Edmondson said. Then the Water Response Team (WRT) will jump into action. The team consists of a number of parties including representatives of agriculture, industry and business communities as well as recreational users, local and regional municipalities, conser- vation authorities, provincial ministries and the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The WRT will then issue three warning levels: Level one, in which there's a 10 per cent reduc- tion in water usage and focuses on voluntary conservation; level two, consisting of a further 10 per cent reduction in water usage and restric- By LISA CARTWRIGHT The Champion Drought may seem unlikely with all the recent rain but just in case, Conservation Halton (CH) wants to be prepared. Conservation Ontario, of which CH is a mem- ber, the Province and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario have joined forces to develop the Ontario Waler Response 2000 Program. "Ontario Water Response 2000 has been pro- ducéd to ensure that the Province is prepared for this summer in case the low-water conditions of 1999 in southwestern and eastern Ontario con- entails restrictions and regulations of non-essen- tial uses. Non-essential uses include those that can be interrupted for short-period of times without sig- nificant impact -swimming pools, lawn water- ing, fountains and vehicle washing. Mr. Edmondson said it's important to prepare for water shortage not only for recreation and human consumption, but for nature as well. While the program could kick into place this year if there was a water shortage, Mr. Edmondson said CH is now researching the pro- gram including its role in it. "Our game plan is to take a look at a number of municipalities and ministries and see what they are doing," Mr. Edmondson said. Customer Care Centre 1888 774 3111 o We're here to answer your call The Canadien Champion, Friday, July 7, 2000 - 11 Conservation Halton taking part in drought program When it notices low levels, it will contact con- tions on non-essential use; and level three, which Important Notice to Union Gas Customers Union Gas is updating its customer information system to provide more efficient service. In the short-term, this transition could mean a longer than usual waiting period on our toll-free Customer Care line. Please know that we are working hard to answer your call and appreciate your patience during this busy period. For all of your customer inquiries, our one-stop Customer Care line is 1 888 774 3111. Be sure to check your Union Gas bill or www.uniongas.com for more important information about Customer Care changes. mion gas energy for you