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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 responsibility for dealing with flood contingency planning in Ontario is shared by municipalities, Conservation Authorities (CAs) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), on behalf of the province. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) 2023 Flood Contingency Plan was prepared in accordance with the provincial standards established in the Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning: Implementation Guidelines for Conservation Authorities and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s document.
The purpose of this manual is to provide an overview of how RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning System operates. Key information presented in this manual includes:
- roles and responsibilities throughout a flood event
- key background information about water management in the RVCA
- RVCA flood forecasting and warning operations
- the RVCA flood message system
This manual is not a municipal emergency preparedness plan and should not be used for that purpose.
The goal of the RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning System is to provide an estimate of the potential for river and stream flooding in the Rideau Valley watershed and, based on that estimate, give sufficient advance warning to the designated municipal officials and members of the public in order that appropriate steps can be taken to reduce the risk of loss of life, injury, and property damage due to flooding.
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The flood water may be gone, but it's left a lot of work in its wake. From sandbag and garbage disposal to septic inspection and well water testing, the RVCA is here to answer your questions and to help as much as possible.
1. What should I do with my sandbags?
DO NOT dump sandbags into the nearby waterway – it could make you and your neighbours sick. If sandbags have come in contact with flood water, they could be contaminated with all sorts of nasty materials, including raw sewage. They need to be disposed of properly – contact your local municipality for area-specific instructions.
Remember: Use gloves when handling used sandbags and take care not to let them spill onto roads, municipal drains or into waterways. For more information, check out this RVCA fact sheet: Cleaning Up After the Flood: Resources
2 . How do I know my well water is safe to drink?
Flooded wells need to be disinfected and tested before residents use them again. All residents on wells affected by the flood should disinfect their wells with a chlorine solution and then flush before testing. To learn more about disinfecting your well, sampling your well, and interpreting your sample results visit Ottawa Public Health’s well water information page.
3. What should I do if my septic system was flooded?
Do not use the system while the drain field or tanks are under water. Wait until the water level in the drain field is below the distribution pipes before using. If a system MUST be used, conserve water as much as possible to allow the system to restore itself.
Do not pump your septic tank during or immediately after the flood. This could cause the tank to “pop out” of the ground. Avoid using heavy machinery around the system when the ground is saturated to avoid further damage.
If you suspect damage, get a licensed inspection! If repairs are needed, contact the Ottawa Septic System Office or your local approval agency before undertaking any work.
Remember: flood waters may be contaminated with raw sewage. Wear protective gloves, eyewear, a face mask and rubber boots when in contact with the water.
For more information, check out: RVCA Factsheet: Frequently Asked Questions of the Conservation Authority and the Ottawa Septic System Office
4. I need to start repairing or rebuilding my home. What approvals do I need?
Check with your local municipality and conservation authority before beginning any repair work to see if a permit is required. Minor repairs like replacing flooring and drywall likely won’t require a permit, but larger projects like work on your foundation, outer walls or deck, or any other structural changes, will require approvals.
Landscaping work like grading, repairing shoreline retaining walls or docks will also need permits, as well as any work to secondary buildings.
For more permit information, visit: https://www.rvca.ca/regulations-planning/rvca-permits-section-28/do-i-need-a-permit
You can also contact an RVCA Resource Specialist at or 613-692-3571 ext. 1132 or ext. 1193.
Other things to consider:
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- Have you suffered severe erosion on your shoreline? The Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP) is accepting applications for grants. Be sure to have all approvals for work in place (see above) and register with staff prior to starting work (613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1134). Permits may be required.
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- Interested in creating a low-cost, natural shoreline along your waterfront to help fight erosion and future flooding? Learn about RVCA's Shoreline Naturalization Program.
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
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
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