Quinte Conservation Declares Level 3 Low Water Condition ~ September 3, 2025

Quinte Conservation and the Low Water Response Team have declared a Level 3 Low Water Condition due to lack of rainfall and low flows in local rivers and streams. This is the most severe low water level. Quinte Conservation Water Resources Manager Christine Phillibert says, “Due to much lower-than-normal precipitation totals over the course of the summer, monthly average streamflows in the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Rivers are less than 30% of normal for the typical lowest flow month. We need a significant amount of rain to change that. The Water Response Team met Wednesday morning and declared that we are now in a Level 3 Low Water Condition.”

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. Low water conditions are ranked as Level 1, 2 or 3 based on a prolonged period of low flows or precipitation. Level 1 is the least severe and Level 3 is the most severe.

Phillibert explains, “We confirm low water conditions using two criteria – precipitation and stream flow. Both criteria are very low for this time of year and lower than we usually see at the end of summer or early fall. Some of our rivers are experiencing the lowest flows since 2016.”

As part of the Level 3 Low Water Condition declaration, Quinte Conservation will be communicating with its 18 municipalities and requesting that they ask their residents and businesses to reduce water usage by 30 per cent until the supply is replenished.

Long range forecasts indicate that the hot, dry weather will continue and it’s now essential for residents, businesses, and municipalities to conserve water. People on private wells should be especially careful of their water usage. Well owners should take steps to protect their well pump. A licensed contractor can be hired to check water levels and make sure the pump is working and protected against running dry.

Quinte Conservation has operated dams in order to increase flows downstream. Phillibert explains, “We are attempting to maintain a minimal flow in the rivers to support local ecosystems. Low flow augmentation structures that have been operated according to their individual operation plans include Upper Arden Dam, Second Depot Lake Dam and Third Depot Lake Dam.

Quinte Conservation has stopped generating hydroelectric power at the McLeod Dam due to low flows in the Moira River.

Individuals or businesses in the Quinte watersheds who experience problems or hardships, such as wells going dry, can fill out the low water form, online at QuinteConservation.ca. These reports will help the organization track the impacts of the Low Water Condition.

Phillibert says, “Reducing water use by 30% means that residents will have to take a hard look at how they are using their water. Many local individuals have already stopped watering their lawns in an effort to conserve water. Other large uses of water in the average home are toilets, showers, and laundry. Drinking water and food preparation only make up about five per cent of the water used in an average home.”

Quinte Conservation issued the first low water warning this year on August 14, 2025. Quinte Conservation will continue to monitor precipitation and stream flows and provide updates. Tips on water conservation can be found on the Quinte Conservation’s drought information webpage.

Quinte Conservation is the lead for the local Water Response Team (WRT) for all of Prince Edward County and the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers. The team includes representatives from municipalities, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, and local industry. The WRT is formed when the watershed is in a Level 1 condition. Water Response Teams monitor local conditions carefully and work with local water users to reduce demand and mitigate the effects of water shortages.

A Level 3 Low Water Condition indicates a failure of the water supply to meet the demand. Restrictions on water use may be imposed by municipalities or under the Water Resources Act. A 30% reduction or more in water consumption is requested.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) October 22, 2025.

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.


For more information contact: 

Christine Phillibert, Water Resources Manager
(613) 968-3434 ext. 130


Level 3 Low Water Condition - OPEN PDF

Council Meeting Summary - August 13, 2025

The attached document provides a detailed overview of the matters discussed and decisions made during the Council meeting held on August 13, 2025 at 6:30p.m at Deseronto Town Hall. This summary captures key agenda items, motions brought forward, reports received, and any direction provided to staff. It is intended to offer residents and stakeholders a clear understanding of the issues addressed, the supporting information behind Council’s decisions, and the outcomes that will guide future actions. While not a verbatim record, it reflects the main points and highlights of the meeting for ease of reference.