Minister's Journal

One issue that concerns many cottagers, residents, boaters and other Ontarians are the declining water levels of the Great Lakes. 

It is disappointing to see some of these beautiful bodies of water several feet shallower than their historical averages.  This is a complex system that is influenced by a number of factors.  The Great Lakes are glacial lakes, meaning that they were created by glacier melt after the last ice age.  Water levels depend almost entirely on precipitation, either directly on the lakes or from runoff into the lakes which accounts for about 1% of the Great Lakes’ renewable volume.

While human activities such as the use of dams, water diversion, and dredging can cause water levels to fluctuate, natural factors such as seasonal precipitation, surface water runoff, and evaporation have greater impacts.

Thankfully, water levels this summer are projected to be closer to what Ontarians are accustomed to.  This is partially attributable to the increases in rain and snow fall this past autumn and winter, which have helped the Great Lakes recover significantly.

As we continue to monitor water levels, the provincial government is also participating in the International Joint Commission’s five-year study to better understand the cause of low water levels in the Upper Great Lakes, for the benefit of shoreline habitats and ecosystems and for all Ontarians.

Read more ...

• Minister's Journal - June 23, 2008
• Minister's Journal - April 29, 2008