It’s now a Level 3 Low Water condition in the Quinte area, which means that municipalities could apply water use restrictions.
For the first time ever Quinte Conservation declared the Level 3 Water condition, following a meeting of municipal officials in its watershed.
Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager Christine McClure says the area has received approximately 35% of the usual average rainfall across the watershed last month.
McClure says flows in the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers continue to be extremely low.
As part of the Level 3 Low Water Condition declaration, Quinte Conservation will be communicating with its 18 municipalities and requesting that they ask their residents and businesses to reduce water usage by 50%.
Restrictions on water use may be imposed by municipalities, or under the provincial Water Resources Act.
Long range forecasts indicate that the hot, dry weather will continue into the fall. Quinte Conservation says it’s now essential for residents, businesses and municipalities to conserve water.
The environmental organization is asking residents and businesses in the region to reduce all water usage by 50% until the supply is replenished.
Quinte Conservation says people on private wells should be especially careful of their water usage.
Well owners should take steps to protect their well pump. A licensed contractor can be hired to check water levels and make sure the pump is working and protected against running dry.
