February 16, 2022 - Water Safety Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 16, 2022

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATER SAFETY STATEMENT DUE TO LARGE AMOUNTS OF RAIN EXPECTED THROUGHOUT THE REGION

Local weather forecasts are predicting 40-50 mm of mixed precipitation, including rain changing to snow, throughout the Quinte Conservation Watershed Wednesday night and throughout Thursday. Creeks, streams, and rivers will rise rapidly in response to rain and runoff in areas with low snow coverage.

Runoff from rain and snow melt will create a quick rise in water levels on creeks and rivers; however, they are not forecasted to top over their banks at this time.

Nuisance flooding is likely around small watercourses, urban areas, and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes are not expected to flood at this time.

Ice conditions are expected to deteriorate during this period. With the anticipation of quickly rising lake levels, ice cover may become unstable. Ice surfaces are expected to become covered with slush and subsequent re-freezing may make ice fishing structures difficult to remove in the future. The public is advised to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks for the duration of this weather event.

Residents are reminded to make sure their sump pumps are in good working condition and to help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions. For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.

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 has been extended and will be in effect until (or updated before) February 25, 2022

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. 130 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 126