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A: The lowering of water levels happens every year at the same time and is referred to as "drawdown". Water levels need to be lowered to make room for the precipitation that happens in the fall, winter and spring. In order to mitigate against flooding and optimize public safety throughout the interconnected system, lakes are lowered to make room for high inflows that are typical over the non-navigation seasons. Lakes in the system are subject to an equal percentage draw down and in order to meet the targeted levels this drawdown must begin by mid-summer. What happens to one lake or river is known to impact rivers and lakes both upstream and downstream. It is also essential to have the water levels lowered prior to fish spawning as fish like to spawn close to the water’s edge in shallow areas. If the drawdown is done after eggs have been laid, the eggs will be exposed, dry up and die. It's important to protect the fishery in all lakes - as part of the ecosystem and an economic generator valued at more than $300 Million. Protecting fish habitat is also required under the Fisheries Act.
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