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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2023
QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATER SAFETY STATEMENT ACROSS THE QUINTE WATERSHEDS
Above-average summer rainfall has resulted in a notable rise in water levels and river flows across the Quinte Conservation Watershed. Throughout the watershed, river and lake levels are higher than usual, and in some cases, have approached spring conditions.
In the first two weeks of August, the region received rainfall equivalent to the amount typically received for the entire month of August. This follows a late spring and early summer of above-average seasonal rainfall.
Most streamflows are above the 95 percentile and range two to 50 times higher than average for this time of year. Skootamatta River and Consecon Creek are also the highest ever recorded for August. Additional rainfall could continue to cause rising water levels on lakes, creeks, and rivers.
Summer rainfall events have caused beaver dam washouts. Beaver dam breaches are difficult to predict and can cause a sudden release of a large volume of water causing a rapid change in water levels directly upstream and downstream.
The high-water levels could impact docks installed on the waterways; however, Quinte Conservation does not expect damage to residences from these localized events. Quinte Conservation recommends securing loose items, docks, and boats to the shoreline or removing them during these types of events.
Quinte Conservation reminds people to stay away from dams. The high-water flows are demonstrating dangerous hydraulic conditions at the dams, creating recirculating currents that can trap people, making for dangerous conditions.
Quinte Conservation will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions. Statements will be released as needed. There are no actions that Quinte Conservation can take to alleviate high water levels. Water levels will naturally subside.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) September 30, 2023.
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.
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 quinteconservation.ca.
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For more information contact:
Dave Eastcott, Water Resources Technologist
(613) 968-3434 ext. 126 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 126
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