The abnormally low water level in Lake Saint-Jean at this time of year worries many coastal residents, who fear the consequences of the summer season if the water continues to drop.
According to Rio Tinto, the low amount of precipitation received in the month of May, places the region with the fifth lowest rainfall in the past 30 years. The water level in the lake should be at 16.5 feet at the beginning of June, so near 15 feet in the middle of June. Only one foot from the minimum.
“Climate change is not an easy thing for tourism, especially for Marsina,” noted Emile Haddon, Mayor of San Gedeon.
screenshot | VAT news
“Two weeks, three more weeks and we’ll be at 14 ft. The impact this will have on our marine club and on the entire environment is that the river will be blocked,” said Regan Nadeau, commodore at Belle Riviere Marine Club, in St. Gideon.
“Those with boats with deep currents will have difficulty navigating. The strip of islands in Saint-Gédéon where there is a lot of riprap, someone who does not know the lake may have difficulty. Instead of people putting themselves in moorings, they will put themselves more on private jetties To get to the lake. Yes, it’s worrisome. Last year we were abnormally high, this year we were abnormally low,” added Mr Huddon.
Further decline is expected
According to forecasts by Rio Tinto, which manages the level of Lake Saint-Jean to produce its own hydroelectric dams, the lake could reach 14 or 15 feet by the end of June. Descent is considered unusual for this time of year.
“It’s the lake levels we see more in the fall than we see in the middle of summer,” said Mayor San Gedeon.
screenshot | VAT news
The region received only 40% of the expected precipitation last week. “The reservoirs will have to be increased again before Lake Saint-Jean increases,” said one resident.
“We wish there had been rain,” said Mr Hudon, “it would take a lot.” Rio Tinto confirmed that the level of Lake Saint-Jean remains within normal operating parameters.
The situation is closely monitored by multinational corporations. July is expected to be dry, and Rio Tinto has reported that precipitation will be necessary over the next few weeks to stabilize the lake level.
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