December 5, 2018 – This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed is returned to “Normal” including the Kemptville Creek sub-watershed.
Precipitation over the last month has brought stream flows up to historical averages throughout the Rideau watershed. Runoff from the rain and snowmelt caused levels to rise late in November.
The impacts of low flows experienced throughout 2018, particularly in the Kemptville Creek subwatershed, will not be known until next spring. With inflows well below normal, fish and other inhabitants of the creek struggled to survive in the intermittent ponds left by the dry weather.
Despite the early onset of wintry conditions, stable ice cover has not yet formed. Watershed residents are advised to stay away from streams and lakes to allow ice to form fully.
Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Statements will be issued as conditions warrant.
Other relevant information sources are:
- Ministry of Environment and Climate Change: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage
- Ontario’s Low Water Response program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program.
- Parks Canada Infonet: https://w ww.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet/tirant-deau-draft
- RVCA website: www.rvca.ca
- Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels.