Quinte Conservation and the low water response team have downgraded the Quinte Watershed region’s low water condition to a level 2 statement.
“Over the last several weeks, the watershed’s low water conditions have stabilized with a return of more seasonal rainfall amounts,” said officials, adding the last week of October with significant precipitation helped offset dryer conditions in September and the first half of October.
The monthly rainfall totals for October ended at normal or near normal levels for each of the local watersheds, and anticipated rain for the rest of the month is supposed to help improve drought conditions further, explained officials, in their latest update.
Improving groundwater levels and streamflow conditions have also been observed and stream flows are improving but remain “well below normal for this time of year.”
Quinte Conservation also continues to receive reports of isolated dry or depleted wells, but many have started to recover. Meanwhile, officials said water hauling companies are still operating “but the demand has peaked.”
Conservation officials noted that lower indicators of rainfall and stream flows are measured on a three-month basis for determining level status and changes.
“The change to a less severe low water level 2 status is based on field observations; however, it may require several months to return to normal conditions with no observed effects.”
A level 2 low water condition statement still indicates a potentially serious water supply problem.
“This level often means minor water supply issues are encountered and there is the potential for major supply problems.”
Officials added that non-essential water use should continue to be reduced by about 20 per cent.
The latest statement remains in effect until Dec. 18.
