LEVEL 1 LOW WATER CONDITION ISSUED FOR THE QUINTE CONSEVATION WATERSHED
A Level 1 Low Water Condition has been issued for the Quinte Conservation Watershed including the regions of the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Rivers as well as all of Prince Edward County.
“The Quinte Region has experienced much lower than normal amounts of precipitation this spring,” says Dave Eastcott, Water Resources Technologist. “Less than 30% of normal rainfall occurred during the month of May, with less than 10% of that happening in the second half of the month.”
Current stream flows for the region are very low, with levels approaching those normally seen in late summer or early fall. The long range forecast is predicting hot, dry weather with no significant rainfall.
A Level 1 Low Water Condition means the potential for water supply problems has been identified. A Level 1 condition is managed through existing programs of the Conservation Authorities, municipalities and other key provincial agencies. Low water conditions are ranked as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on a prolonged period of low flows or precipitation. A Level 2 suggests a potentially serious water supply issue, and a Level 3 is the most severe condition and indicates a possible failure to meet water supply demands.
Water supplies drawn from groundwater systems, and inland lakes and streams may be sensitive and vulnerable. Residents who draw from these supplies may start to experience issues with water availability and should take extra precaution with their non-essential use until groundwater levels have recharged.
Quinte Conservation would like to remind residents with vulnerable water supplies and those that take bulk water from these areas to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by 10 per cent. Those in need of bulk potable water supply should check with their local municipality for availability and information on private water haulers.
Municipalities that source water from Lake Ontario or The Bay of Quinte have access to a more sustainable water supply. The delivery of water to residents on these systems is not impacted by current conditions. This conditions statement is not directed to residents accessing these municipal water supplies.
Quinte Conservation encourages residents experiencing low water to report their conditions using an online form. The form can be found at: https://arcg.is/1zX8b5 or on the main page of the Quinte Conservation website, along with tips for water conservation, at www.QuinteConservation.ca.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) July 9, 2021.
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.
