socastcmsRssStartBob PerreaultsocastcmsRssEnd
Quinte Conservation is operating Second Depot Lake and Third Depot Lake dams to boost flows in the Napanee River amid worsening drought conditions.
The watershed remains under a Level 1 Low Water status, declared August 14, after months of below-average rainfall. Over the last three months, precipitation levels have dropped to less than half of what is normal, with some streams at record-low flows not seen since 1978.
Hardwood Creek, which typically supplies 20 per cent of the river’s drainage, has completely dried up, while Cameron Swamp is running below seasonal levels.
Dam operations will raise water levels in First Depot Lake and Depot Creek downstream while Second Depot Lake levels decline slowly.
Repairs are also underway at Springside Dam in Napanee to stop leaks and restore pond levels.
Quinte Conservation urges residents to cut water use by 10 per cent as conditions persist.
