On July 7th, Parks Canada posted a new Water Management Update for the entire Trent Basin. It is clear that the extreme dry conditions since mid-April have caused TSW to conserve water throughout the basin and operate the system at minimum flows. It has also resulted in lower than normal levels for this date on many reservoir lakes with some already at levels normally expected in late July or early August.
The Update confirms that the 17 Gull River reservoirs are 84% full. The 13 Burnt River Reservoirs are 79% full. The percentages on the Burnt River and Gull River are lower due to the minimum flow requirements on the Irondale and Burnt Rivers, and on the Gull River. The Central Reservoirs (Crystal, Mississagua, Anstruther, Jack's and Eels Lakes) are 91% full and in most cases are not managed to maintain a minimum flow. It is to be expected that the Central Reservoirs will be drawn down significantly once additional water is needed downstream in the TSW. Without significant rainfall across the basin there is a real risk that reservoir levels may be well below normal as the summer progresses.
To view the full Water Management Update – click here