Low water level means potential water supply problems

By Gail Paquette

Quinte Conservation is asking residents and businesses in the region to reduce their water consumption by 10 per cent.

“This includes the watering of plants and lawns and washing driveways,” said Terry Murphy, general manager of Quinte Conservation in a news release.

Rainfall in the last few weeks did not ease the Level 1 low condition status but according Murphy, it will keep the Quinte area from entering Level 2.

The warning that was issued in April, due to low snowfall this winter continues because of low rainfall this spring.

“We usually see the current levels in late summer,’’ said Jennifer May-Andersen, spokesperson for Quinte Conservation. “But this year we are seeing the low levels two months earlier than normal.”

A Level I condition is the first indication of a potential water supply problem. Level II indicates a potentially serious problem and Level III  indicates the failure of the water supply to meet the demand according to the Ontario Low Water Response Plan developed by the Ontario Government in 1999.

David Phillips, senior climatologist with Environment Canada said Ontario is heading into a warmer and drier than normal summer. “After a rather dry spring and winter,” said Phillips. “Water levels are definitely a concern.”

Quinte Conservation monitors precipitation and stream flows daily and jumps from one level to another requires extended periods of no precipitation.

Tips for conserving water can be found at www.quinteconservation.ca. Tips include using a broom not a hose to clean off our driveway and cutting grass to a higher level (5 – 8 cm) to reduce evaporation.

Quinte Conservation serves 18 municipalities and includes the watersheds of Moira, Napanee, Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County.

“With the potential for a dry summer,” said Murphy. “ It’s time now to start thinking about conserving water.”