Cataraqui Conservation | Watershed Statement - April 2, 2026

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has extended its Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today to advise residents and visitors about the possibility of high flows on inland lakes and streams.

Weather Situation:

On March 31, the Cataraqui Region received varying amounts of rainfall. While some areas to the north received less than 10mm, up to 31mm was recorded in the Kingston area.
Temperatures are expected to stay mostly above zero degrees C over the next several days.
There is significant rainfall in the forecast for the period of April 2 through April 5.

Conditions:

Runoff from recent rainfall has caused some streamflows to rise to 1.5 times normal for early April. The snowpack is gone however the ground currently has limited ability to infiltrate which will lead to enhanced runoff from additional rainfall.

Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to maintain target water levels which trend upward to prepare for the summer recreation season.
Discharge is being increased significantly from some dams to manage excess inflows.

Risks:

The main consideration continues to be water safety. Streams could rise quickly from the forecasted rain. High streamflows are possible.

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.

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:

1. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca

2.Portage Power (PP)
E-mail: info@portagepower.com

3.Parks Canada
E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet

4.Cataraqui Conservation
E-mail: info@crca.ca

Ice conditions, where ice is still present, continue to deteriorate rapidly. Cataraqui Conservation does not measure ice thickness for advising the public about ice conditions for recreational activities. Ice conditions can vary considerably from one waterbody to the next and within a single waterbody. No ice is without some risk. Visit lifesaving.org for ice safety information.

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) Thursday, April 9, 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

See below for watershed conditions terminology:
Normal: No flood conditions exist

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: 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.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: 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: Flooding is possible in specific watercourse or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):

Residents in the Township of Athens
44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags)

Residents in the Township of Augusta
Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the City of Brockville
Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/

Residents in the Town of Gananoque
Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road - call first (613-382-4422)

Residents in the City of Kingston
Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site

Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)
-     Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
-     North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in in Lyndhurst
At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.

Residents in Loyalist Township
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee
Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes
Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-349-2314)

Residents in the Township of South Frontenac
2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027)