Water levels are becoming dangerously low on the Black, Salmon, and Napanee Rivers. This has prompted Quinte Conservation to operate dams in order to increase flows downstream of the dams. General Manager Terry Murphy says, “We are attempting to maintain a minimal flow in the rivers to support local ecosystems. Residents above the dams we are operating will notice a decline in their water levels.”
Quinte Conservation staff will be operating the following dams this week:
Lingham Lake Dam to support the Black River
Upper Arden and Laraby Rapids Dams to support the Salmon River
2nd Depot Lake Dam to support the Napanee River
Murphy adds, “If conditions worsen we may operate the Skootamatta Lake Dam in the near future.”
Quinte Conservation and the Low Water Response Team declared a Level 2 Low Water Condition due to lack of rainfall and low flows in local rivers and streams on July 12 and will meet again next week to reassess the situation. The Quinte area has been experiencing low water conditions since the beginning of June. 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.
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: Terry Murphy, General Manager (Cell: 613-391-4040)
(613) 968-3434 ext. 103 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 103
