Winter River sections begin to dry up, affecting Charlottetown water supply

Watershed association says sections of the river are already starting to dry up

By Shane Ross, CBC News Posted: Jul 02, 2016 3:12 PM AT Last Updated: Jul 02, 2016 6:09 PM AT

 

Sections of the Winter River, a water source for the city, have begun to dry up, says Sarah Wheatley of the Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed Association.

Mandatory water restrictions are in effect in Charlottetown which limit lawn watering and prohibit hosing down hard surfaces.

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"Last summer, the stream dried out even after the really snowy winter we had," she said.

"So this winter, since we didn't have much snow, we're expecting the ground water levels to be lower, the springs to dry up sooner, and the stream to stop flowing sooner."

Watershed supplies city

Charlottetown water comes from a series of wells, all located within the Winter River-Tracadie Bay watershed.

Several times over the years, the watershed association has asked the city to bring in more restrictions when water levels have been low in the river. Those requests have generally been turned down, Wheatley says, and the association hasn't made an official request this year.

Charlottetown lists tips on how to conserve water on its website.

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With files from Steve Bruce