Saint John Water dredging lakes to reduce risk of shortages after dry summer

Saint John Water will dredge a shallow channel linking First Lake and Robertson Lake in the Loch Lomond watershed to help maintain flow after an exceptionally dry summer. The utility is also seeking permits to do similar work at four additional sites.

Saint John Water is preparing to dredge a narrow, shallow channel that connects First Lake and Robertson Lake, which are part of the Loch Lomond watershed that supplies the city's drinking water. The action follows an exceptionally dry summer that federal monitoring described as extreme to exceptional drought in parts of the region. The utility says the dredging is a preventative measure to improve flow and reduce sediment buildup in the channel. City staff announced a gravel pad will be built for machinery and that environmental consultants will monitor the work. Key points: - Federal drought reports indicated parts of eastern New Brunswick experienced extreme to exceptional drought last year, increasing pressure on municipal water sources. - The planned work focuses on removing accumulated sand from the shallow channel between First Lake and Robertson Lake to maintain flow toward the city. - The city is preparing a gravel pad to stage heavy equipment; some temporary cloudiness in the water is expected and officials said the treatment facility will filter it. - Saint John Water is seeking permits to carry out similar dredging at four other locations along the channel. Summary: The dredging is described by the utility as a precaution to protect municipal water supply and to reduce the chance of emergency pumping or mandatory restrictions. Initial work will target the First–Robertson channel, while additional sites await permitting and no timeline for the follow-up work was specified.