FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2019
QUINTE CONSERVATION MAINTAINS FLOOD WARNING FOR LAKE ONTARIO AND THE BAY OF QUINTE – UPDATE #5
Lake Ontario experienced significant rainfall on June 20, 2019. As of June 19, the average Lake Ontario water level was recorded at 75.90 metres. This level is 2 cm above the 2017 peak and 2 cm below the highest 2019 water level.
High wind and waves can cause shoreline erosion and wave uprush. Residents are advised to check local forecasts for warnings.
Water levels are expected to slowly decline into the summer.
Lake Erie remains above the record high for this time of the year. Lake Saint-Louis on the St. Lawrence River is at a record high for this time of year.
Outflows from Lake Ontario are 10,400 cubic metres per second. This is equivalent to the record high outflows recorded in 2017.
Flooding and other high water impacts have been reported from areas of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during periods of strong winds.
Shoreline residents are advised to either secure or remove loose items from their properties where there is a risk of encroaching flood water. Sandbags can be effective in protecting residences. Sandbags are not intended to protect accessory buildings. For more information on shoreline protection, contact the Quinte Conservation office and speak with expert staff in the planning and regulations department.
Boaters need to be cautious of floating debris and should take proper safety precautions when out on the water. Boaters should reduce speeds and wakes when boating along shorelines to reduce the localized flooding and erosion.
It is important that the public never wade through or play in flood water as it is extremely unsafe. Flood water can be contaminated with septic and hazardous debris.
Residents concerned that their shoreline well or septic has been compromised, should contact their local health unit. Do not drink the water and find an alternative water source to use. This message does not apply to municipal drinking water systems.
Residents are advised to obey any posted road closure signs and to check with their municipality for updates on road closures and boat launch closures.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD WARNING statement indicates that flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
This message will be in effect until (or updated if anything significant changes before) Friday, July 5 2019.