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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
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
Improving and Doubling the Size of a Wetland
Workshop: Headwater Drainage Feature Guideline Implementation: Practitioners Experiences — Eastern Ontario
Watershed Watch is a monitoring program on 39 lakes in our valley. The program is building a set of ambient (baseline) data that can be used to show trends and changes in the condition of the watershed lakes. It will act as an early warning system to identify trends or problems in water quality.
The water quality indicators monitored in the program are:
- Total phosphorus (deep points, shoreline)
- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (deep points, shoreline)
- Bacteria (E.Coli) (shoreline)
- Water clarity/Secchi Depth (deep points)
- Dissolved oxygen/temperature (deep points)
- Calcium (deep point)
Over the first five years of the Watershed Watch program (2001 – 2005), 6 or 7 lakes were sampled intensively (8 times) each year at the deep points and at shoreline sites where there appeared to be possible pollution sources. The program was changed in 2006 to monitor 39 lakes 4 times a year (May thru October). Deep points are sampled 4 times a year, while shoreline sites a sampled twice a year through the summer months (June thru September).
Volunteer Opportunities:
Anyone can get involved! Join the group of residents on several lakes who volunteer their time and their boats each summer to provide on the water transportation for RVCA staff and a helping hand taking samples. Or watch for special times of the year where we need a little extra help with sampling.
Want to learn more?
Contact to volunteer or get more information.
More...
RVCA is proud to be part of the City Stream Watch Program. Since 2003, this program has worked with volunteers to monitor and report on information about our urban creeks and streams in the City of Ottawa.
City Stream Watch volunteers:
- conduct stream habitat assessments (physical and biological characteristics)
- sample for and identify aquatic benthic invertebrates
- participate in fish sampling sessions
- monitor stream temperatures
- remove invasive species
- assist in stream rehabilitation and shoreline restoration projects
- clean up streams to remove urban garbage
Monitoring Schedule:
Want to learn more?
Contact:
City Stream Watch Coordinator
613-692-3571 ext. 1155
Volunteer Opportunities
The City Stream Watch is always looking for new volunteers to help monitor, protect and clean up Ottawa streams. No experience is needed and no minimum time commitment.
Sign-up to our mailing list to join our list of volunteers and receive information on City Stream Watch opportunities. You can also check out our latest events on our volunteer calendar.
Reports
View City Stream Watch Reports.
Partners:
The City Stream Watch Program is a community-based partnership which includes the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Heron Park Community Association, Ottawa Flyfishers Society, Rideau Roundtable, Canadian Forces Fish and Game Club, Ottawa Stewardship Council, City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission.