Meech Lake, GatineauAverage Flow

The Gatineau River with its 386 kilometres has an average flow of 350 m³/sec at Paugan Power Station.

Hydroelectric Power Stations and Water Flow

The Gatineau River has 4 hydroelectric power stations: Mercier, Paugan, Chelsea and Farmers' Rapids. The origin of the power stations goes back to the beginning of the 20th century. The total production of electricity is approximately 1.5 TWh/yr.

A very important aspect in the management of water levels in the river is the control of the flows during flood periods, by Hydro-Quebec, in order to avoid floods. Historically, the Gatineau River was recognized as a river which had strong floods. Since the construction of the dams, the water level has been regulated. The Gatineau River has two dams for stream flow regulation: Mercier (Baskatong Reservoir) and Cabonga (Cabonga Reservoir, also used to regulate the flow of the Ottawa River).

Adapted from the the Gatineau River Watershed Committee's Gatineau River Watershed Portrait