Water Safety Statement – Mississippi River Watershed – May 5, 2026

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 Water Safety Statement is an update to the Flood Watch for the Mississippi River watershed issued on April 28, 2026.

Weather forecast

Seasonal temperatures are expected over the next two weeks, with daytime highs in the 10–15°C range. Light precipitation is forecast over the next seven days, with cumulative totals up to 30 mm. No significant weather systems are currently anticipated.

Watershed conditions

Water levels and flows are gradually returning to seasonal norms. Some lakes remain in water safety conditions, and spring rainfall events may temporarily elevate additional lakes into similar conditions.

At this time, water levels and flows are not expected to increase significantly and system operations are transitioning toward maintaining stable conditions for summer recreation and seasonal water use.

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.
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
• 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 May 12, 2026, at 5 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 at 613-253-0006 ext. 248 or water-management@mvc.on.ca.