CEWF continues to monitor water levels and conditions on your behalf. Members of CEWF recently met with senior TSW officials to discuss this spring’s rainfall and the higher water levels leading into the summer season.
We have heard from lake members that high water lifted docks, boats, kayaks and even logs from shorelines and set them adrift. We have also heard reports of damage to shoreline infrastructure when water levels rose while ice was still present on some lakes.
With that in mind, we encourage members to use any waterfront work or clean-up this summer as an opportunity to plan ahead. As weather patterns continue to change, bringing more frequent and more extreme conditions, the unusually high water experienced over the past two springs may become more common and more severe. Taking precautions now can help reduce damage and frustration later.
What you can do this summer:
- Take a good look at your waterfront with high water in mind
- Make sure docks, boats, kayaks, canoes, floating platforms and other waterfront items can be properly secured when you close up the waterfront in the fall
- Check cribs, steps, pump houses, ramps, retaining walls and other permanent shoreline structures for signs of shifting, damage or vulnerability to high spring water and moving ice
- Review how you secure loose items near the shoreline, including chairs, storage boxes, lumber, firewood, toys and water-sport equipment
- Consider how high water and ice could affect your shoreline before making repairs or improvements, especially if you are replacing docks, stairs, decking or anchors
- Talk with neighbours and/or your lake association about any loose docks, boats or debris that may have drifted, and make a plan to return or secure items before fall
- Where appropriate, consider temporary or adjustable systems that allow docks, ramps and other waterfront features to respond better to changing water levels
Planning ahead can’t prevent extreme weather, but it can help protect your property, reduce hazards on the water, and make spring clean-up easier for everyone.