MEDIA RELEASE: Quinte Conservation Declares Level 2 Low Water Conditions for the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Watersheds

Quinte Conservation and the Low Water Response Team have declared a Level 2 Low Water Condition in the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon River Watersheds due to lack of rainfall and low flows throughout the region. Prince Edward Region Watershed remains in a Level 1 Low Water Condition.

 

Quinte Conservation Watershed Monitoring Coordinator Lynette Lambert says, “Forecasts over the next couple of weeks do not show much rain and it looks as though the warm and dry conditions will continue into the fall.”

 

Many wells within the watershed have groundwater levels below normal for this time of year. Typically groundwater levels decline into the fall.

 

Lambert adds, “Unless we receive a steady amount of rain over the next month or so, the low water conditions will remain.”

 

The environmental organization is asking residents and businesses in the region to reduce non-essential water usage by 20 per cent until the supply is replenished. People on private wells should be especially careful of their water usage. Non-essential water use includes the outside watering of plants and lawns, and washing driveways and sidewalks. Those with permits to take water are also urged to reduce their current usage by 20 per cent.

 

A Level 2 Low Water Condition indicates a potentially serious water supply problem. This level often means minor water supply issues are encountered and there is the potential for major supply problems. A Level 2 condition is managed through 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.

 

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.

 

For the full media release please see the attached document.