Rainfall over the last three days from 70 to 100 millimetres has caused water levels typically seen in the spring in the Rideau watershed.

Flows rose dramatically from what they were going into the weekend after very little rain through September and most of October.

Operation of the Long Island Dam by Parks Canada staff slowed the increase of levels on the Long Reach. However, access roads to communities on the Rideau near Kemptville may still be threatened as the water from upstream passes through the system.

In Perth in the Tay Subwatershed, flooding has so far been limited to Stewart Park. Adjustments will be made as required at the construction site at Haggert Island Dam to accommodate increased flows.

Possibly those most affected by the heavy rains may be the farming community. With significant standing water left in fields, farmers may have difficulty removing the remaining crops. Rain forecast over the rest of the week will continue to cause problems getting on the fields.

The additional rain into next weekend can be expected to slow the recession of waters in streams such as Steven Creek. Residents in North Gower can expect to see the banks close to full through to next week.

Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as the forecasted weather may rapidly increase river flows, and cause slippery river banks. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

For water level and flow information in the Rideau system as well as the Ottawa River, visit the RVCA Streamflows and Water Levels webpage at: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/monitoring/surface-water-quantitiy

For more information about conditions on the Ottawa River, check the webpage of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board at http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days .

(WCS - 40/2017)