Water Safety Statement Extended for Mississippi River Watershed – August 4, 2026

From Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

A Water Safety Statement is to provide notice of 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.

This is an update to the Water Safety Statement for the Mississippi River watershed issued August 2, 2026.

Watershed conditions: 

The Mississippi River watershed received significant rainfall over the long weekend, with Environment Canada issuing a Yellow Rainfall Warning. Total precipitation amounts ranged from 65 to 100 mm across the watershed. As a result, water levels and flows throughout the watershed have increased and are expected to remain elevated for several days. While some areas have begun to stabilize, water levels in other locations continue to rise as runoff moves through the system.

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: 

Rivers and streams may experience higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks.

Actions: 

Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution near all water bodies due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
• Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from any structure.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy.
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan –  Mississippi Mills Emergency Response Plan.

Duration: 

This message is in effect until Friday August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

For more information: 

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact MVCA Water Management, 613-253-0006 ext. 248, water-management@mvc.on.ca.