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7Low Water ConditionsA Low Water or Drought Condition was declared in 2025. Precipitation patterns were unsettled and variable over the course of the year, with a prolonged dry period starting in late spring. The overall precipitation received by the region by year-end fell far below the long-term average, with insignificant amounts over the normally dry late spring and summer season. Starting in October, near average rainfall provided needed relief. Wells and groundwater supplies were severely impacted. Recovery occurred quite late in the season, just before the freeze-up in December. Water Management StructuresQuinte Conservation owns, operates and maintains 40 water management structures (dams and weirs) in the Quinte Watershed. Major maintenance on these structures is often supported through the Water and Erosion Control Structure Infrastructure (WECI)grant program, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Each dam has one or more purpose, including flood management, raising low water levels, recreation, water supply, habitat creation, historic, and hydro power production.2025 Dam ProjectsDam Name Project OutcomeBellrock Anchor installation Anchors were drilled into bedrock thereby giving the dam the required stability safety factors.Consecon Stair replacement Concrete stairs were replaced with galvanized metal stairs.Upper and Lower Arden Rock anchor design Design project was completed to identify required stability factors of safetyMacaulay Mountain Safety review Recommendation to increase the size of the granular in the spillway to prevent erosion and the completion of a feasibility study for the replacement of the culvert as it was found to be corroded with minor groundwater infiltrationMilford Safety review Recommendation to resurface concrete, manage bridge culvert drainage, clear drain holes, tree removal, abutment erosion control measures, and updating the OMS.Bloomfield Safety review Recommendation for minor concrete repair to the gabion basketsSecond Depot Lake Safety review Recommendation to construct emergency spillway, reinforce embankment, install piezometers and seepage monitoring infrastructure, and update Emergency Preparedness Plan.