Water safety statement follows a month’s worth of rain in two weeks
Administrator | Jun 15, 2022 | Comments 0
Quinte Conservation has issued a ‘water safety statement’ as three large rain events over the last two weeks have contributed to approximately a month’s worth of rain throughout the Quinte watershed.
“This has resulted in seasonally high water levels across the region’s lakes and river systems. In some areas, water levels are comparable to spring averages,” said Christine Phillibert, Water Resources Manager.
The current forecast shows limited rainfall this week, that she says will allow some of the water to move through the system before more rain comes.
“In the event of a large thunderstorm, water levels will continue to rise, and residents should prepare to protect their property.”
Property owners are encouraged to use adjustable or floating docks to increase infrastructure resiliency during water level fluctuations.
The primary driver of water level fluctuation in the Quinte Watershed is precipitation, Phillibert states, and not dam operations.
“The volume of rainfall and runoff cannot be controlled by the limited capacity of dam operations. Water levels will naturally recede during dry periods and will be maintained or rise in response to rainfall events.”
She notes staff will continue to monitor conditions and review dam operations in accordance with dam operations plans and in the best interests of both upstream and downstream users.
A water safety statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children, or pets. Flooding is not expected. The statement is to be in effect until (or updated before) June 24.
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.
Filed Under: Local News
About the Author: