News

April 03, 2024

Spring Storm to Increase Water Levels Throughout the Rideau Valley

(WCS – R05/2024)April 3, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed. A Colorado Low is expected to bring significant precipitation to the region, starting Wednesday, April 3 and lasting through Thursday, April 4. The precipitation will fall as a mix of snow and rain. Exact amounts are unknown, but up to 30 mm of rain and up to 20 cm of snow is possible. Currently, water levels and flows are generally low and soil moisture levels are also low across the Rideau Valley watershed. While significant flooding is not anticipated, water…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

March 18, 2024

Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety — Lower Ottawa River | Déclaration de sécurité aquatique – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais

Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety — Lower Ottawa River March 18, 2024 — A Water Safety Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury). This winter has been characterised by unseasonably warm temperatures, below-average precipitation in many locations and several melt events. As of mid-March, the amount of water in the snowpack is well below average for this time of year across the Ottawa River watershed. The snow is essentially gone in the south-east portion of the basin and well below average elsewhere for this time of year. Environment Canada is forecasting cooler, more seasonable,…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

March 08, 2024

Significant Rain Expected to Increase Water Levels Throughout the Rideau Valley

(WCS – R04/2024)March 8, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed. A low pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain to the region, with between 20mm and 40mm expected throughout Saturday and Sunday. Snow conditions in the Rideau Valley watershed are largely depleted, but flows and water levels remain elevated from recent melt and rainfall events. While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, water levels and flows in all waterways are expected to increase and may exceed their banks along smaller tributaries and streams. Residents in these regions…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

February 26, 2024

Warm temperatures and rain to cause early melt across Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R03/2024)February 26, 2024 – Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with significant rainfall is expected to trigger a widespread melt across the Rideau Valley Watershed this week. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly on Tuesday, February 27 and last until Thursday, February 29, with daily highs exceeding 10°C. Widespread precipitation is also expected during this period, with forecasts estimating between 20 and 30 mm of rainfall. Although snow conditions are considered below normal for this time of year, the warm temperatures and added rain will trigger an accelerated melt. Beginning on Tuesday, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

February 09, 2024

Warm Temperatures to Cause Increased Water Levels Across Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R02/2024) February 9, 2024 – Caution is advised as above normal temperatures are forecasted for the Rideau Valley Watershed this weekend. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates above-zero temperatures approaching 10 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the temperatures are forecast to approach 5 degrees Celsius before cooling off to more seasonal below-zero temperatures next week. Less than 5 mm of precipitation is expected on Friday and Saturday. Water levels and flows are generally average for this time of year across the Rideau Valley Watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

February 05, 2024

Groundbreaking report highlights environmental concerns, shifts across Rideau Watershed

RIDEAU VALLEY, February 5, 2024 – A new detailed analysis from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has found many parts of the Rideau River Watershed are changing fast – and not always with positive results. The RVCA’s 193-page Watershed Conditions Report is the first of its kind in more than 50 years. It compiles recent and historical monitoring data to assess trends regarding surface and ground water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, hydrological function, natural hazard risks and the status of critical green infrastructure such as wetlands, forests and natural shorelines. The analysis found several concerning trends including a continuing steep decline in…

Published in Media Release