Residents asked to continue to reduce water usage as drought continues

Despite recent precipitation throughout the Bay of Quinte watershed, the region remains in a ‘level 3 Low Water Condition’, indicating severe drought.

Quinte Conservation reports stream flows remain well below normal for this time of year, with reports of no-flow in some locations. The long-range forecast projects there will not be any significant precipitation that will provide substantial relief.
It notes groundwater recharge may be impeded if the ground freezes prior to a sizable liquid rainfall event.

The Low Water Response Team declared the Level 3 low water condition Sept. 3 -indicating a failure of the water supply to meet demand. A 30 per cent reduction or more in water consumption is requested.

Individuals or businesses in the watersheds who experience problems or hardships, such as wells going dry, can fill out the low water form, online at QuinteConservation.ca These reports help the organization track the impacts of the low water condition.

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency serving 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It is the lead for the local Water Response Team which includes representatives from local municipalities, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and local industry.