Low level water issues are persisting in the Quinte Conservation area, prompting the declaration of a Level 3 Low Water Condition statement.
The watershed area includes all of Prince Edward County, as well as regions of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon rivers.
A lack of rainfall and low flows in rivers and streams has prompted the latest declaration – up from a level 1 statement. Officials note that a level 3 statement translates to the most severe low water level.
As a result, the County of Prince Edward is calling on residents who get their water from groundwater systems and inland lakes to reduce non-essential use by 30 per cent.
Residents who draw their water from a well, in addition to users in the Ameliasburgh and Peat’s Point drinking water systems, are also being reminded to take extra precautions with their non-essential use until groundwater levels have recharged.
Officials note that some of the best ways to reduce water use are:
- Refrain from non-essential water use like car washing and grass watering.
- Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while lathering up. On average, bathing is the highest water use inside the home, making up 35 per cent of household water use.
- Repair broken and leaky fixtures.
- Retrofit plumbing with more efficient fixtures.
A Level 3 Low Water Condition indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand. Restrictions on water use may be imposed by municipalities or under the provincial Water Resources Act, reads a recent release.
Those in need of bulk potable water supply can fill up in Picton, Wellington or Carrying Place and/or learn more online.
Quinte Conservation also encourages residents experiencing low water levels to report conditions using a confidential online form.
