Flood Icon indicating a Water Safety Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2022

WATER SAFETY STATEMENT ISSUED FOR THE QUINTE CONSERVATION WATERSHED DUE TO LARGE AMOUNTS OF RAIN AND SEASONALLY HIGH WATER LEVELS

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.

The current forecast shows limited rainfall this week, which 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.

The public is advised to be careful when near rivers and to stay away from fast flowing water, dams, and banks. Those looking to use Lingham Lake this weekend may encounter issues accessing the area due to high river conditions.

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 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.

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.

For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.

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.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) June 24, 2022

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: Christine Phillibert, Water Resources Manager
(613) 968-3434 ext. 130 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 130