WEST CARLETON – The high water is on the decline, but local conservation authorities expect it will be a while before they return to normal.

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), in conjunction with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining the flood warning issued on April 19 for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River.

“Water conditions along the lower Ottawa River from Arnprior to Gatineau have been slowly declining but will remain well above normal conditions for this time of year,” the MVCA released in a statement today. “Levels from Gatineau to Hawkesbury are expected to remain stable and should resume declining on Wednesday. No additional increase in water levels is expected for this area.”

From May 25 to today (May 28) the water levels have receded by less than 10 centimetres. As of last Friday (May 24) the flood waters were down to 60.09 m. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board forecast projects the area will not reach a level of 60 m until Wednesday.

Residents are strongly urged to keep sandbags in place for now. Updates to all projections will be provided as they become available. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

The MVCDA flood warning is in effect until Tuesday, June 4.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php. To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

The City of Ottawa has already put out a call for volunteers aged 12 and up to assist with sandbag and debris removal for this coming weekend. For more details on that effort visit the city’s website at www.ottawa.ca. If you haven’t already done so, those needing clean up help are encouraged to register with Samaritan’s Purse at 1-844-547-2664.