As of July 19, six regions in Ontario had reached a level 2 drought, and 25 regions had reached a level 1 drought. "Level three is when you are out of water," said Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) district manager Rick Watchorn.

The MNR classifies three drought levels. Here is what they are and mean:

Region records less than 80 % of the normal three-month rainfall average.

Stream (or river water) flow drops to the seasonal low (or lowest level of water flow), which is usually in late August.

Region records less than 60 % of the normal three-month rainfall average.

Stream flow drops to less than 50 % of the seasonal low.

At this point there is not enough potable water to satisfy a region’s needs. Depending on conditions in specific area, including ponds drying up, local authorities would likely call this a disaster.

Region records less than 40 % of the normal three-month rainfall average.

Stream flow drops to less than 30 % of the seasonal low.