SUBMITTED BY QUINTE CONSERVATION
Lake Ontario’s water level has been slowly declining at a rate slightly less than 1 cm per day. As of July 3, 2019 the water level was recorded at 75.88 m, which is below this year’s peak by 4 cm and the lowest level recorded since the end of May 2019.
Lake Ontario is expected to continue its slow decline in water levels over the next few weeks. As warm weather and drier conditions continue throughout the summer, the rate of decline will start to increase.
High wind and waves can cause shoreline erosion and wave up rush. Residents are advised to check local forecasts for warnings.
Lake Erie remains above the record high for this time of the year. Record inflows from Lake Erie will continue for the foreseeable future.
Outflows from Lake Ontario are 10,400 cubic metres per second. This is equivalent to the record high outflows recorded in 2017.
Flooding and other high water impacts have been reported from areas of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during periods of strong winds.
Shoreline residents are advised to either secure or remove loose items from their properties where there is a risk of encroaching flood water. Sandbags can be effective in protecting residences. Sandbags are not intended to protect accessory buildings. For more information on shoreline protection, contact the Quinte Conservation office and speak with expert staff in the planning and regulations department.
Boaters need to be cautious of floating debris and should take proper safety precautions when out on the water. Boaters should reduce speeds and wakes when boating along shorelines to reduce the localized flooding and erosion.
It is important that the public never wade through or play in flood water as it is extremely unsafe. Flood water can be contaminated with septic and hazardous debris.
Residents concerned that their shoreline well or septic has been compromised, should contact their local health unit. Do not drink the water and find an alternative water source to use. This message does not apply to municipal drinking water systems.
Residents are advised to obey any posted road closure signs and to check with their municipality for updates on road closures and boat launch closures.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding, residents are encouraged to visit Quinte Conservations website
A FLOOD WARNING statement indicates that flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
This message will be in effect until (or updated if anything significant changes before) Friday, August 2, 2019.
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.