Watershed Conditions (19)
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.
Feeling the impact of a drought in the Rideau Valley? Help us track and understand local concerns.
Email us using the Subject: Drought Impacts.
Include the following details in your email:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone number and
- comments how the drought is impacting you.
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:
- Athens
- Augusta
- Beckwith
- Central Frontenac
- City of Ottawa
- Clarence-Rockland
- Drummond-North Elmsley
- Elizabethtown-Kitley
- Merrickville-Wolford
- Montague
- North Dundas
- North Grenville
- Perth
- Rideau Lakes
- Smiths Falls
- South Frontenac
- Tay Valley
- Village of Westport
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
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.
- 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.
- 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
