Lake Victoria water levels drop after dam malfunction

After a sluice gate at the RT Orr Dam was unable to close for several days, Lake Victoria's water levels drastically fell, leaving behind many exposed areas of the lake bed.

During a heavy rainstorm on July 24, a sluice gate at the RT Orr Dam in Stratford automatically opened to release water and prevent flooding of upstream roads and buildings.

Although the gate was only open briefly, debris became lodged beneath it, preventing it from fully closing. As a result, water from Lake Victoria continued to drain over several days.

In a July 31 update, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) said, “Water levels in Lake Victoria continue to lower at a rate of 25 mm/hour. Debris under the sluice gate still prevents the gate from fully closing.”

As the water receded, the narrowing river channel exposed much of the lakebed, a dramatic sight captured and shared widely on social media by locals and visitors alike.

The changing water levels have affected local wildlife and small businesses that rely on the waterfront, such as the Boathouse. The UTRCA noted its aquatic biologist had been on site, monitoring the situation closely.

“The gradual drawdown has provided time for species to move to larger pools of water; however, as water levels continue to drop and water temperatures increase, some aquatic wildlife may get stranded,” the authority said.

Four days after the issue began, UTRCA staff successfully dislodged the blockage, allowing the sluice gate to close. Lake Victoria will now begin to refill, though how quickly that happens depends largely on rainfall.

Maintaining a steady flow in the Avon River downstream is a top priority during this process to support aquatic health.

For the latest updates, visit: thamesriver.on.ca