Low level water condition issued for local watershed

A Level 1 Low Water Condition has been issued for the Quinte Conservation Watershed – including the regions of Prince Edward County, the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon rivers.

“The Quinte Region has experienced less than 80 per cent of total, normal precipitation this summer,” said Christine Phillibert, Water Resources Manager. “For this time of year, the region has not experienced this magnitude of low flows since 2016.”

Current stream flows for the region are also low and the long-term forecast predicts more hot, dry weather with no significant rainfall.

Quinte Conservation reminds residents with vulnerable water supplies, and those that take bulk water from these areas, to 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.

The Quinte Low Water Response Team (LWRT) met Thursday, Aug. 14 to review current conditions and declared the Level 1 Low Water Condition for the watershed. The LWRT is made up of municipalities, provincial agencies, First Nations, and other water using industries.

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 precautions with their non-essential use until groundwater levels have recharged.”

Quinte Conservation encourages residents experiencing low water to report their conditions using a confidential online form on the Quinte Conservation website.