Do the hydropower and navigation interests benefit from high Lake Ontario water levels?
• While high water levels on Lake Ontario can produce benefits for hydropower and navigtion, they often mean higher flows in the St. Lawrence River, which can have negative impacts. For example, higher flows through the seaway and power project reduce the level of Lake St. Lawrence, which is immediately upstream of the project. These low levels can be hazardous to navigation and possibly result in ship groundings. In addition, high flows can produce cross-currents that cause difficulty controlling the vessels. For hydropower, more electricity can be generated when there is a greater volume of water passing the stations; however, the consequent lowering of Lake St. Lawrence decreases the head on the hydropower stations and decreases the amount of electricity generated for each cubic foot of water.
Related Questions
- SECTION 3: High Water Levels and Flows in the St. Lawrence River Q 3.1: Does regulation of Lake Ontario outflows make spring flooding conditions worse in the Montreal area?
- SECTION 2: High Lake Ontario Water Levels Q 2.1: What were Lake Ontarios levels prior to regulation, and since regulation?
- How can high or low Lake Ontario water levels affect domestic and sanitary uses?
