FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4, 2020
MOIRA RIVER AND NAPANEE RIVER WATERSHEDS MOVE DOWN TO A LEVEL 1 LOW WATER CONDITION, PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY WATERSHED REMAINS IN LEVEL 2 LOW WATER CONDITION
After a very dry June and July, the Quinte region experienced an increase in precipitation throughout the month of August. Groundwater and surface water conditions are still low for this time of year but are starting to improve. Quinte Conservation and this region’s Low Water Response Team have downgraded the Low Water Condition for the Moira and Napanee River Watersheds to a Level 1. Prince Edward County Watershed remains in Level 2.
Water supplies drawn from groundwater systems, and inland lakes and streams may still be sensitive and vulnerable. Residents who draw from these supplies may continue to experience issues with water availability and should take extra precaution with their non-essential use until groundwater levels have recharged. Quinte Conservation would like to remind residents with vulnerable water supplies and those that take bulk water from these areas to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by 10 per cent (Moira and Napanee Watersheds) and 20 per cent (Prince Edward County Watershed). Those in need of bulk potable water supply should check with their local municipality for availability and information on private water haulers.
Municipalities that source water from Lake Ontario or The Bay of Quinte have access to a more sustainable water supply. The delivery of water to residents on these systems is not impacted by current conditions. This conditions statement is not directed to residents accessing these municipal water supplies.
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. A Level 1 Low Water Condition means the potential for water supply problems has been identified. A Level 1 condition is managed through existing programs of the 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. 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. This level indicates a potentially serious problem and conservation of water is extended to restrictions on non-essential uses and a 20% reduction in water consumption is requested. 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.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) October 8, 2020.