FLOODS. The torrential rains of last week are still causing the waters of Lake Memphremagog to swell to levels deemed historic for this time of year. This body of water has gained almost 50 centimeters in seven days, flooding the Fleur-de-Lys motel and the Place du Club-Memphré in particular.
The City of Magog is therefore forced to maintain the closure of the beaches and boat ramps of Lake Memphremagog, as well as the prohibition of navigation on the Magog River. The situation is so exceptional that the MacPherson wharf was closed for a few hours on Monday morning.
The level of Lake Memphremagog had reached a peak in the last week at 208.64 meters, as of last Monday (July 17). Magog has increased its level of vigilance, because this stage is moving from a context of minor flooding to a context of moderate flooding.
Sylvain Arteau, director of the City of Magog’s fire safety department and emergency measures coordinator, warns that it will take a few days before levels return to normal for this time of year. “We remain below the flood and evacuation thresholds, but we ask for the cooperation of citizens,” he summarizes.
The City of Magog’s objective is to reduce the lake level as much as possible by increasing the flow of the Magog River. “Our evacuation flow is at its maximum at our dams,” adds Mayor Nathalie Pelletier. We let 195 cubic meters pass per second, which is the equivalent of 195 vehicles filled with water per second. We were at 120 cubic meters last week. »
Mr. Arteau hopes for the collaboration of Mother Nature. However, he points out that 80% of the water in Lake Memphremagog comes from Vermont. “We are all anxious for it to drop, but I have no date to reveal, he continues. We cannot evacuate the water any faster, otherwise we will cause damage downstream or risk damaging equipment. »
Mr. Arteau also thanks the boaters for their collaboration. These have indeed reduced traffic on the lake last Saturday, despite the good weather. Remember that the City of Magog recommends limiting navigation to the maximum on this body of water for about a week.
The ship Le Grand Cru nevertheless continued its cruises. He adapted his route and his speed to navigate far from the banks. The objective is to reduce the waves as much as possible to avoid causing damage on dry land.
Moreover, lakes Magog and Lovering had returned to their usual seasonal level, at the time of writing these lines.
DRINKING WATER REDUCTION NOTICE
In the same vein, a notice to reduce drinking water consumption was issued to residents of the 166 houses on Audet, Cabana, Merry Sud, Springhill and Verchères streets.
Due to the high level of Lake Memphremagog, citizens who are served by the Cabana and Dupuis pumping stations are invited to reduce their drinking water consumption as much as possible until Wednesday, July 19, 5 p.m., at least. This measure is necessary to limit waste water discharges into the sewer network.
For more information: ville.magog.qc.ca
ELSEWHERE IN THE MRC
More fear than harm also in the Township of Potton and Eastman. These municipalities had been strongly affected by torrential rains last week and last weekend. House basements were flooded on the shores of Lac d’Argent. Route 243 was completely closed for almost three days in the Highwater sector of the Township of Potton.
Other roads were also damaged or closed, such as Route 108 in Canton de Hatley. The flooding of the Massawippi River also caused problems for cyclists in the Capelton sector.
Everything seemed to be back to normal on the road network at the time of this writing. However, the Tomifobia Nature Trail remained closed for an indefinite period due to several flooded sections. Boat descents also ceased operations for a few days at lakes Massawippi and Memphremagog.
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