Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Water Safety Statement today in response to a widespread, slow-moving weather system producing heavy rainfall.
Weather Situation: Rainfall totals recorded in the Cataraqui region on July 28 ranged from 6 mm to 26 mm.
Rainfall associated with a stalled low-pressure system continues today which could bring an additional 40 mm or more. However, there is uncertainty with the expected rainfall totals, as it is unclear which path the weather system will follow. The slow-moving nature of the weather system means that significantly higher rainfall totals are possible.
Conditions: Prior to the rainfall today, many gauged streams were in the normal range. Some have already responded quickly to the heavy rainfall today. Buell's Creek, in the Brockville area for example, is already elevated and could rise sharply with additional rainfall.
Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system.
Risks: The main consideration is safety along watercourses. Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.
Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible.
If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality. Sand and sandbag availability and location information is provided at the bottom of this statement.
Requests for additional information associated with managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:
- Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) - kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
- Portage Power (PP) - info@portagepower.com
- Parks Canada - rideau@pc.gc.ca. More information is available here https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
- Cataraqui Conservation - info@crca.ca
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood