News & Notices
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.
Quinte Conservation is the lead for the local Water Response Team (WRT) for all of Prince Edward County and the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers. The team includes representation from municipalities, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, First Nations, and local industry. The WRT is formed when the watershed is in a Level 1 condition.
Water Response Teams monitor local conditions carefully and work with local water users to reduce demand and mitigate the effects of water shortages.
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. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.
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For more information contact:
Lynette Lambert, Watershed Monitoring Coordinator
(613) 968-3434 ext. 117 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 117
