Minor Low Water Conditions in Kemptville Creek, Jock River and Lower Rideau Watersheds

Following a period of hot weather and low 90-day precipitation totals, the Rideau Valley Low Water Response Team is declaring a MINOR low water status for the subwatersheds of Kemptville Creek, Jock River and Lower Rideau, after officials met to discuss current watershed conditions on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Over the last couple of months, rainfall amounts have been variable across the Rideau Valley watershed with some areas receiving limited rainfall. Ninety-day rainfall totals measured in the Kemptville, Jock River and Lower Rideau subwatersheds are less than 80 percent of the long-term record average for this time of year which represents “minor” low water severity.

Due in part to the low rainfall totals, stream flow levels monitored within the Jock River and Kemptville Creek subwatersheds range from 10 to 25 per cent of the normal for this time of year.

Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system inside the Rideau Valley watershed. Stream flows required to maintain navigation levels along the Rideau Canal are augmented from the reservoir lakes in the Tay River watershed. The water levels in the reservoir lakes (Bob’s Lake and Wolfe Lake) are currently below normal and are expected to decline further unless significant precipitation is received soon. Within the Rideau Valley, water levels along the length of the Rideau Canal remain within navigable ranges.

Looking ahead, the 7-day weather forecast suggests rainfall totals of less than 5mm and day-time temperature highs ranging from 25C to 30C across the watershed.

Given the observations described above, Rideau Valley watershed residents and businesses in the impacted areas are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 10 per cent. This is especially important for those who have permits for taking water from surface or groundwater sources and all residents on private, communal or municipal wells. The requested voluntary water use reduction does not apply to residents of urban Ottawa because the City of Ottawa central drinking water system draws from the Ottawa River. All residents throughout the Rideau Valley watershed should be aware of any bans or bylaws that may be in place in their municipalities regarding watering or fire bans.

To better understand local conditions, landowners, businesses, and industries are encouraged to contact Isabelle Maltais by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if they are experiencing any unusual water-related problems.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.

More resources:

• Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks: 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.

• RVCA website: www.rvca.ca

• Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels .

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.