Our low flow index has four stages:

Normal

No low flow or drought conditions exist.

Minor

This category reflects concern.
80% to 60% of long-term average precipitation for 540 day and/or 90 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 5 year return period low flow.

Moderate

This category suggests a potentially serious problem is pending.
60% to 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.

Severe

This category indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand.
Less than 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.

Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements.

Fresh water is a natural resource critical to the economic and environmental well being of all residents of the Rideau Valley. Periods of dry, hot weather and low water levels were relatively uncommon — happening every decade or so. But, with changing weather patterns, low water levels may occur more often, especially with the increasing demand for water.

The Government of Ontario has developed the Ontario Low Water Response Plan, which ensures that the province is prepared for low water conditions in the future. The response plan helps co-ordinate and support local response in the event of drought. The local teams are established in areas experiencing low water conditions so that the local community can carry out actions to reduce and better manage water use.

The Rideau Valley Water Response Team, co-ordinated by RVCA, is made up of representatives of water users: member municipalities, farmers, businesses, recreation and others. The Low Water Response Team communicates when necessary to review stream flow information and weather forecasts. Based on the information, the committee may declare a low water condition for the watershed.

Low water affects:

• municipal sources
• private wells
• lakes, rivers, ponds and all the residents in those waters
• agriculture — irrigation, watering livestock
• fire fighting
• business and industrial uses
• recreation (boating, fishing, swimming)
• personal use — drinking, washing, laundry, etc.

Members of the Rideau Watershed Low Water Response Team

• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
• Parks Canada - Rideau Canal
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• Watershed municipalities

Municipalities are responsible for emergency response services during serious flood events. Please contact your local municipality should you have local flooding issues where assistance is needed:

Some built-up areas of the regulated floodplain are more vulnerable than others. RVCA staff have identified a number of Flood Vulnerable Areas throughout the watershed (see map and table). Knowing if you live in a vulnerable area will help you prepare for flooding.

Rideau River:

• in the area between Rideau Falls and Cummings Bridge downtown City of Ottawa
• in the vicinity of Brantwood Park, Windsor Park and Brewer Park in the City of Ottawa 
• parts of rural City of Ottawa including near the Carleton Golf & Yacht Club, parts of the Village of Kars, Lorne Bridge Road, in the vicinity of James Island, Reevecraig, and the Fairmile subdivision
• Mapleshore Drive in North Grenville Township
• Little Chesterville and Arcand developments
• Hilly Lane and Cedar Beach Lane in Kemptville
• Rideau Glen and Becketts Landing in North Grenville Township

Jock River:

• parts of the Village of Richmond including areas on the tributaries (Van Gaal Drain, Flowing Creek, Bypass Drain)

Stevens Creek:

• parts of the Village of North Gower and areas downstream

Kemptville Creek:

• parts of the Township of North Grenville between Kemptville and the Rideau River

Tay River:

• within the Town of Perth and areas upstream to Glen Tay

Detailed neighbouhood flood maps are available for select City of Ottawa communities here.

Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements. Click here for RVCA real-time flows and water levels.

For water levels and flows on the Ottawa River visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board

Our flood warning index has four stages:

Normal

No flood conditions exist

Awareness

Be informed and aware.

1. Water Safety Statements —High flows, unsafe 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.
2. Flood Outlook Statements — Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion

Flood Watch

Be prepared to activate your flood response plans, if it becomes necessary.

Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning

Activate your flood response procedures now.

Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements. Click here for RVCA real-time flows and water levels.

For water levels and flows on the Ottawa River visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board

RVCA maintains a flood forecasting and warning system. Our goal is to reduce danger to people and property by providing local agencies and the public with advanced notice, information and advice so that they can respond to potential flooding and flood emergencies.

The RVCA uses stream gauges, weather stations, surveys of snow conditions, meterological forecasts and computer models to determine the potential for flooding. When spring melt or severe storms are anticipated, the Conservation Authority estimates the severity, location, and timing of possible flooding.

Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements. Click here for RVCA real-time flows and water levels.

For water levels and flows on the Ottawa River visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board

The National Capital Commission and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Team Up to Enhance Black Rapids Creek

An important wetland in the Greenbelt’s west end will soon become a bigger and better piece of nature. The National Capital Commission (NCC) will team up with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund to enhance and double the size of the existing wetland in the headwaters of Black Rapids Creek.

This workshop will update participants on some of the work that has been implemented since the 2011 Eastern Ontario Headwaters workshop. Updates will include advances in policy, monitoring, research and restoration which were all core themes at the 2011 workshop. Participants will hear a range of case studies from Eastern Ontario that collectively address how to incorporate headwater management in routine management decisions, policy development, and science understanding. Participants will hear from experts from Conservation Authorities, the City of Ottawa and the private sector on local success stories.