Rainy summer leads to elevated flows, water levels across Rideau Valley watershed

(WCS – R06/2025)

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is issuing a Water Safety Statement advising recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, parents and pet owners to exercise caution near waterways. Water levels and flows remain elevated across portions of the Rideau Valley Watershed following recent rainfall. Fast-moving water and unstable banks may create hazardous conditions. While flooding is not anticipated at this time, we caution residents to remain vigilant and avoid potentially dangerous areas around rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

Weather Forecast: Recent rainfall has resulted in elevated water levels and flows across portions of the Rideau Valley Watershed. Additional rainfall is expected today, with scattered thunderstorms possible and localized accumulations of 30–50 mm. These conditions may result in further increases in water levels and flows.

Environmental Conditions: Recent rainfall has resulted in elevated water levels and flows across portions of the Rideau Valley Watershed. Water levels and flows on the Tay River and smaller waterways are unseasonably high for this time of year, with conditions more commonly observed during the spring. Some lakes are also experiencing elevated water levels that may result in nuisance impacts for shoreline property owners.

Risks: Elevated water levels and faster flows may create hazardous conditions near rivers, streams, dams, spillways, and other water control structures. Shoreline impacts, including bank erosion and the displacement or damage of docks and other waterfront infrastructure, are possible. Banks may be slippery, unstable, or subject to erosion, particularly along fast-flowing waterways.

Location-Specific Considerations: While widespread flooding is not currently anticipated, water levels and flows will remain elevated in some areas as runoff continues to move through the watershed. Conditions vary by location, and localized impacts to shorelines and waterfront properties may occur. Recreational users should be particularly cautious near fast-flowing water and water control structures.

Action & Safety Recommendations: Residents and recreational users are advised to exercise caution when near rivers, streams, lakes, and other waterbodies due to the risks summarized above.

Parents should inform their children of these dangers and provide appropriate supervision. Pet owners should also keep pets away from fast-moving water and unstable shorelines.

Property owners in areas experiencing elevated water levels should take necessary precautions, such as:

• Avoiding areas of actively eroding or unstable shoreline.
• Ensuring sump pumps are clear and in good working condition where applicable.
• Checking docks and other waterfront structures for signs of instability or damage.
• Securing items that could be displaced or carried away by elevated water levels and flows.

Duration: This Water Safety statement is in effect until Monday, August 24 at 11:59 pm or until an update has been issued.

RVCA monitors water levels and weather forecasts as part of its Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

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

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