Rain on June 5 was sufficient to improve the drought status to minor severity on the Rideau watershed.

Streamflows and water levels increased as a result of the rain from about 10 percent of normal for the time of year to 50 percent. However, such flows are typically seen in mid-July to early August. Little rain is forecast for the next two weeks which means that water levels can be expected to drop noticeably throughout the watershed again.

The Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee is in need of a new Chair. Under Ontario’s Clean Water Act, a Source Protection Committee representing multiple stakeholders is required for each source protection region in Ontario. The Source Protection Committee oversees the drinking water source protection program and the composition ensures that a variety of local interests are represented at the decision making table.

How healthy is the Middle Rideau? Readers can learn all about it in the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s (RVCA) Middle Rideau Subwatershed Report. This information-loaded report summarizes the subwatershed’s health by looking at four indicators: forests, wetlands, shorelines and water quality. This is the second subwatershed report for the Middle Rideau and compares baseline information that was collected in 2008. Changes are small, but understanding how to prevent cumulative long-term changes is essential.

With little effective rainfall on the Rideau watershed for the last two months, the drought status is now moderately severe.

Except for some intense rainfall in the downtown core of Ottawa last Friday and Saturday, conditions have continued to be very dry in the Rideau River watershed. Rainfall recorded at Environment Canada climate stations over the last three months is now at 60% of normal for the time of year. This means that Moderate Drought status has been reached.

With no rain over the last ten days and less than 30% of normal for the last 30 days, the Rideau River watershed is on the verge of minor drought conditions.

Precipitation measured at Environment Canada climate stations in and around the watershed show that about 80% of normal for the time of year has fallen in the last 90 days. This means that minor drought status has been reached. Municipal watering restrictions could be imposed to limit the volume of water extracted from groundwater and surface water sources. It is recommended that those living in residences served by private systems also reduce their water taking.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s (RVCA) new PayByPhone service is going to make visits to local conservation areas easier. Cash payment is no longer required. Complicated paystations are not an issue. As long as you have a phone or computer, you are covered.

“Paying at our remote conservation areas has always caused challenges,” says Kristy Giles, RVCA Conservation Lands Manager. “By using this PayByPhone service, it allows visitors to pay online through their phone or from their home computer, making it exceptionally convenient and reliable.”

The City Stream Watch Program is looking for volunteer “scientists” to help monitor, protect and cleanup Ottawa streams. Now is the best time to get involved as a Stream Watch Training Session will be held for volunteers on Saturday, May 28. The training session will welcome new volunteers and familiarize them with the basics of stream sampling and environmental data collection.

“The City Stream Watch program is driven by volunteer participation and gives the community a chance to contribute to the health of their local streams,” said Justin Robert, City Stream Watch Coordinator. “By helping to assess these unique urban features, volunteers play a crucial role in environmental protection and enhancement.”

Canada’s first and only carbon neutral radio station continues in its efforts to plant trees and maintain its efforts to offset carbon emissions.

In 2016, Ottawa’s LiVE 88.5 FM will ensure another 5,700 trees are planted in the southern Ottawa area to offset the carbon dioxide produced annually through normal station operation. This brings their total to 34,200 since they decided to go carbon neutral in 2011.

The focus of this message is potential flooding issues on Bobs and Christie Lakes in the upper end of the Tay River watershed, part of the Rideau River/Canal system.

Bobs Lake has levelled off over the weekend as inflows were reduced by colder temperatures. Runoff from the snow that fell overnight along with rain showers today and Tuesday will prolong the high water levels. No precipitation along with more spring-like temperatures are forecast for the rest of the week beyond Tuesday. This can be expected to bring a decline in levels on both Bobs and Christie Lakes.

An unusual amount of snow for this time of year is expected to cause lake levels in the upper part of the Rideau River watershed to rise as the snow melts over the next several days.

Water levels can be expected to increase throughout the watershed but levels to flood stage could occur on Bobs and Christie Lakes. With the level of Bobs Lake close to the Full Supply Threshold, water has to be released. However, the release is being done as gradually as possible to minimize the impacts on both lakes. While levels are likely to increase downstream of Christie Lake, no flooding is expected.