Understanding Electricity

Safety Regulations

It's very important to follow the safety regulations posted near water-control structures—dams, water intakes, generating stations and spillways—whether they are operated by Hydro-Québec or other parties. Even when a body of water appears still, danger may lurk below.

Turbulence and strong suction can pull swimmers and boaters underwater. As well, the flow can increase suddenly with the operation of generating units or the opening of dam or spillway gates, depending on the particular action required at the power station.