With a Level 1 – Low Water status in effect for the Quinte Watershed, Quinte Conservation Staff have performed dam operations at Second Depot Lake and Third Depot Lake dams located in the Napanee region watershed, to help improve the significantly low water levels in the Napanee River. Residents are warned to be cautious as water levels on First Depot Lake and Depot Creek, downstream of the dams, are expected to rise quickly in response to the operation, while Second Depot Lake will slowly decline.
Creeks, streams, and swamps like Hardwood Creek and Cameron Swamp, which typically flow into the Napanee River are struggling to support the system as drought conditions progress. Hardwood Creek, which normally makes up 20% of drainage into the river, is not contributing anything to the Napanee River. Cameron Swamp, which normally makes up for 30% of drainage, is contributing lower than normal flows for this time of year.
Over the last few months, Quinte Conservation staff have lowered Third Depot Lake 1.5 metres from normal summer water levels. Staff are performing significant operations at Second Depot Lake Dam in order to make up for the precipitation deficits and lack of contributions from Cameron Swamp and Hardwood Creek.
Staff are using this time of low water to make necessary repairs and complete maintenance work at Springside Dam in the Town of Napanee. Repairs to the dam’s stop logs should reduce the amount of water leaking under and through the stop log sluice, allowing the pond above Springside Dam to replenish as water drains into it.
Quinte Watershed 2025 low water event stats:
• 3-month precipitation total – less than 50% of normal for this time of year
• 1-month precipitation total – 25-35% of normal for this time of year
• Streamflows are among the lowest ever measured on the Napanee River
• The last time streamflows on the Napanee River were lower, was in 1978
Quinte Conservation and the Low Water Response Team declared a Level 1 Low Water Condition due to lack of rainfall and low flows in local rivers and streams on August 14 and will meet again next week to reassess the situation. A Level 1 Low Water Condition means that there is the potential for water supply problems. It is managed through existing programs of Conservation Authorities, municipalities, and provincial agencies. The focus is water conservation. A 10% reduction in water use is requested.
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.
(PAUL MARTIN)
