| Aug 11, 2016


Quinte Conservation and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority have both declared a level 3 water conditions.

The Quinte declaration includes the Salmon River, which runs from south of Cloyne, through Arden to the Depot Lakes and Stone Mills Township, and eventually into Lake Ontario.

“This is the most severe low water level that Quinte declares. We have received approximately 35% of average rainfall across the watershed in July. This means that some lake and river levels are visibly lower than they would normally be for this time of year. Flows in the Moira, Napa and nee and Salmon Rivers continue to be extremely low and we need a significant amount of rain to change that,” said Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager, Christine McClure.

A level 3 condition indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demands. It can result in restrictions on water use in municipalities that supply water to their residents, and residents on private wells are asked to voluntarily curtail their water usage in order to keep more water in the system and to keep wells from running dry.

Quinte reports that water levels have become “dangerously low” on the Skootamatta, Black, Salmon, and Napanee rivers. For that reason, Quinte has released water from a number of upstream dams.

“We are attempting to maintain a minimal flow in the rivers to support local ecosystems. These dams have been identified as low flow augmentation structures and are being operated according to their individual operation plans. Residents above the dams we are operating will notice a decline in their water levels,” said McClure.

The dams that have been activated include the Deer Rock Lake Dam, the Upper Arden Dam, the Second and Third Depot Lake Dams, and the 13 Island Lake Dam. Water has not yet been released through the Skootamatta Lake Dam but Quinte says it might do so if “conditions warrant”.

Residents and businesses located along the Salmon River watershed that experience dry wells or other water-related issues are asked to call Quinte at 613-968-3434 or 613-354-3312, ext. 129. Tips for conserving water are available at Quinteconservation.ca

On Wednesday morning (August 10) The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) followed Quinte's lead and made a level 3 declaration. CRCA covers lakes ans streams in the eastern and Central part of South Frontenac, including Dog, Collins, Loughborough and Sydenham Lakes as well as the Cataraqui River.

Teh CRCA explained the circumstnces which led to the declaration in a release on Wednesday, which poined ominously towards low water levels through the summer and fall seasons.

"The last four months (April through July) were some of the driest ever recorded in the Kingston area. Only 10 mm of rain fell, on average, across the CRCA in the last 30 days (average is ~70 mm) and there has been essentially no rain yet in August, 1/3 of the way through the month. Stream flows are now exceptionally low, close to the lowest ever recorded, with some streams having dried up entirely. Lake levels across the CRCA, and eastern Ontario, have been falling due to evaporation (as much as 2.5 cm each day), and are as much as 20 cm below normal for this time of year. These low levels will be potentially exposing hazards that are normally irrelevant. Recreational users (swimmers, boaters, etc.) should exercise caution. These low levels are expected to persist into winter conditions."

Conservation is the only means that residents can employ to stretch the dwindling water resource. the CRCA published a chart outlining how household water use breaks down to help South Frontenac residenst controltheir usage. Toilet flushing accounts for 24% of water use, showers and faucets both account for about 20%, clothes washers 17%,  leaks 12%, baths 4% and dishwashers 1%. So, plugging leaks, using low water flushing techniques, and following the old hippy adage (if its yellow let it mellow, if its brown flush it down) might be the best advice going in the coming months.

Full fire bans are in place in South, Central and North Frontenac, Addington Highlands and the City of Kingston. Small campfires are still permitted in Lanark County, and there are fire restrictions at provincial campgrounds. Check with the campgrounds for details.

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