2024 - 08 - 08 Quinte Conservation Issues A Water Safety Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8, 2024

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY STATEMENT

Quinte Conservation has issued a Water Safety Statement for the Moira, Napanee, Salmon, and Prince Edward County Watersheds in anticipation of a widespread rain event.

A low-pressure storm system, combined with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the Quinte watershed, beginning Thursday evening and through to Saturday morning. Current forecasts are highly variable, with some forecasts predicting up to 50 mm of rainfall with the potential for additional rainfall in isolated areas.

Small creeks and low-lying areas may experience sudden localized flooding. Lakes, which are currently at summer levels, will rise above summer norms in response to the rainfall over the following days. Heavy downpours can cause isolated incidents of flooding and water on roadways. A slow and small response is expected in the major waterways, with low to no risk of significant flooding.

Beaver dam washouts are also a possibility, and breaches are difficult to predict, causing sudden releases of large volumes of water and rapid changes in water levels directly upstream and downstream.

The public is advised to exercise caution when near rivers and waterbodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, and unstable banks.

Quinte Conservation recommends securing loose items, docks, and boats to the shoreline or removing them during these types of events; ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve on it; easy access to portable backup generator and pump; downspouts are clear, and outlets are at least 3 metres from dwellings.

Quinte Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should you have any questions or wish to report flooding, please visit quinteconservation.ca or call 613-968-3434.

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.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday, August 12, 2024 at 4:30 pm.

About Quinte Conservation

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency that serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers, and Prince Edward County. Our programs, services and working alongside residents 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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