2025-12-18 - Level 1 Low Water Condition

QUINTE WATERSHED MOVES INTO A LEVEL 1 LOW WATER CONDITION

Quinte Conservation and the Low Water Response Team have reduced the region’s low water condition to Level 1. Watershed conditions stabilized over the month of November and into December, with near normal rainfall and snowfall offsetting the deficient precipitation amounts from August through to the present. Adjacent watershed regions have also seen similar improvements and have likewise reduced their condition status.

Streamflow remains well below normal but is above the summer threshold levels for low water indicators. Groundwater recharge appears to be occurring slowly. Reports from residents about dry or depleted wells have decreased and although water hauling companies are still operating, it is at a reduced frequency.
Current forecasts show that more rain and snow may occur this week. Ongoing groundwater recharge may be impeded if a hard freeze occurs prior to additional significant rainfall or snowmelt.

A Level 1 Low Water Condition indicates potential water supply issues. Often minor supply issues have occurred, and private wells are at greatest risk. Non-essential water use should be reduced. A 10% reduction in water use is recommended.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) January 29, 2026.

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:
Dave Eastcott, Water Resources Technologist
(613) 968-3434 ext. 126