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.

Money is available to landowners interested in planting trees. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers private landowners tree planting programs that help them get technical advice, planting plans and funding for trees.

“We have numerous community-minded partners providing funding to projects to help reduce landowner costs,” says Scott Danford, RVCA Forestry Program Manager. “We offer planting programs that make it easy and affordable for landowners.”

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) Board of Directors formally acknowledged the 50 year anniversary of the Conservation Authority’s formation at their meeting last night.

“We are delighted to celebrate 50 years of conservation,” announced RVCA Chair Lyle Pederson as he unveiled the Authority’s special 50-year logo. “This will be a year to share our successes and how they have made a significant contribution to the health and prosperity of our watershed.”

Flows in all watercourses in the Rideau River watershed can be expected to increase through today as a result of a significant rain event.

Forecasts of heavy rains today in the province east of Georgian Bay will have an impact on the Rideau River watershed. With rainfall in the order of 30 mm possible, flows can be expected to increase again to similar flows as what was reached earlier in March. This could once again bring flooding of the lowest lying areas along rivers and streams and on lakes and ponds.

Flows in all watercourses in the Rideau River watershed increased through the weekend and may have peaked on Monday. However, with rain forecast for tomorrow, flows may rise slightly higher by Wednesday night than what was reached yesterday. This could bring flooding of the lowest lying areas along streams.

Below freezing temperatures are forecast for Friday and into next week. This freeze-up will cause water levels to decline quickly. With the changing water levels and ice formation due to the colder temperatures, caution around water is advised and children need to be warned of the risks.