Quinte Conservation issues ‘low water statement’

UPDATE JUNE 7 – The Quinte Region received less than 30 millimetres of rain over the last few days. Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager Christine McClure says the recent rain has not been enough to help our current low water conditions.

“Flows in the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers continue to be extremely low and we need a significant amount of rain to change that,” said McClure.

Quinte Conservation declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition for the Quinte watersheds on June 2.

“With the potential for a dry summer, it’s time now to start thinking about conserving water. We are asking residents and businesses of the region to reduce water usage by 10 per cent until the supply is replenished. This includes the outside watering of plants and lawns, and washing driveways and sidewalks. Tips for water conservation can be found on our website at www.quinteconservation.ca.

Minimal precipitation amounts have resulted in Quinte Conservation declaring a “Level 1 Low Water Condition” and those on private wells are encouraged to conserve water.

“Precipitation from March to the end of May for this year is only about 60 – 75 per cent of what it usually is, and that is what has triggered this Level 1 Low Water Condition,” said Christine McClure, Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager. “The long range forecast suggests that we may get some rain over the next week, but as long as precipitation is low these low water conditions will persist. It looks like it will be a dry start to the summer season. The water table has been dropping since the beginning of April because of little rainfall. People on private wells are encouraged to start conserving water now.”

A Level 1 Low Water Condition means the potential for water supply problems has been identified. A Level I 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 1 is the least severe and Level 3 is the most severe.

“With the potential for a dry summer, it’s time now to start thinking about conserving water,” said McClure. Tips for water conservation can be found on the Quinte Conservation website at www.quinteconservation.ca.”

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. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.