Gull River Water Level Fluctuation: Information Report

Gull River Water Level Fluctuation: Information Report

Harris, Laura; Postman, Peter; Wood, Michelle

Township of Minden Hills
Host contact: Cox, Rick; Haig, Roy

Sager, Eric
Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies

TP-589

2008

U-Links Office and online

Minden

Water fluctuation on the Gull River

Discusses water fluctuations associated with the Trent Severn Waterway and the Orillia power dam; makes recommendations to address the problems.

River flow and water levels are very important for the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. Fish, macroinvertebrates, and many other organisms depend on certain flow and level requirements to live and thrive. However, when water flows and levels are changed or altered for human usage, inevitably the biological, physical, and chemical functions of freshwater ecosystems are impacted. As well, water temperature, turbidity, and other water quality measurements can be negatively affected. Recreationally, when water flows and levels fluctuate drastically it can affect boating, fishing and other sports on the waterway. This is especially a problem as this river is part of the Trent-Severn Waterway, and needs to be navigable for the majority of the year. In order to manage water levels and flow regimes positively and effectively, both environmental and human usage requirements need to be taken into account in the planning process. This report discusses the water fluctuations associated with the Trent Severn Waterway, and reviews current Water Management Plans to recommend management techniques and initiatives.

Trent University