In spite of the rainfall this past weekend, the Quinte Region remains in a Level 2 Low Water Condition. Quinte Conservation Water Resources Engineer Bryon Keene says, “The recent rainfall kept us from having to declare a Level 3 Low Water Condition, but we’re still well into a Level 2 and getting close to flows that would mean a Level 3.”
Keene adds, “The Low Water Response Team met last week and Quinte Conservation staff will continue to monitor rainfall and flows in local waterways to see if further measures are needed during this dry season.”
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 and involves the voluntary reduction of water usage. 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 and this level can include imposed water usage restrictions.
Keene says, “We continue to ask all Quinte residents and businesses to reduce water usage by twenty per cent until the water supply is replenished. This means all non-essential water uses should be suspended until further notice for those on both private wells and municipal water systems. This includes lawn and flower watering and the washing of cars.”
The environmental organization is encouraging any individuals or businesses in the Quinte watersheds who experience problems or hardships, such as wells going dry, to contact Quinte Conservation by calling 613-968-3434 or 613-354-3312 and dialling extension 130. Reports can be emailed to quintecaquinteconservation.ca. These reports will help the organization track the impacts of the Low Water Condition.
Quinte Conservation issued the first low water warning this year in April. The local environmental agency will continue to monitor precipitation and stream flows and provide updates. Quinte Conservation encourages everyone to use water wisely and apply water conservation measures. Tips on water conservation can be found on the Quinte Conservation website atwww.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. 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.
For more information contact:
Jennifer May-Anderson
Communications and Marketing Specialist
(613) 968-3434 ext 125 or (613) 354-3312 ext 125
