low water

noun3

1. •
   The location of low tide in a coastal area.

   • The railway then follows the widening estuary of the river, which at high tide has the appearance of a lake, but at low water presents a rather cheerless expanse of dark mud. — 1953
2. •
   The lowest stage of a river.
3. •
   The temporary situation of having little money.

   • Miss Monro’s eyes glistened. It struck me that she was in exceedingly low water, and that the chance of a square meal was not to be despised. — 1927