Spring Flood Taskforce begins monitoring and preparing for this year’s melt

The City’s Spring Flood Taskforce is now monitoring water levels on the Rideau River, Ottawa River and their tributaries and is ready to respond to potential impacts from this spring’s melt.

Flooding impacts caused by elevated water levels and flows are difficult to predict with certainty. The amount of snowpack, how fast it melts, and impact of heavy spring rainfall are just a few variables that could contribute to spring flooding.

Traditionally, flows in the Rideau River and local waterways increase from mid-March to mid-April. Around the same time, water levels and flow rates along the Ottawa River also begin to rise. However, since the snow melt in the northern regions of the Ottawa River basin happen later in the season, flows in the Ottawa River usually experience higher increases throughout April and early May.

The Spring Flood Taskforce, comprised of multiple City departments, works closely with local conservation authorities and the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board to monitor water levels and develop two-to-four-day forecasts on possible increases or decreases in water levels.

These forecasts help the City prepare and respond to any level of flooding by opening sandbag filling stations near impacted locations, protecting key infrastructure like water filtration plants, and providing any additional supports to residents. 

Staying informed of current and forecast conditions is key for the taskforce and residents alike. Situational updates will be provided on the City’s Spring flood page and the Spring flood 2026 Facebook Group page to help residents get the latest, most up-to-date information, including current road and pathway closures, sandbag filling locations, and other supports.

The City also encourages residents to follow the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board and their local conservation authority:

• Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• South Nation Conservation Authority

The spring melt may also cause water pooling and urban flooding when combined with significant rainfall. Clearing snow and ice from nearby catch basins will help drain the water into the stormwater sewer system.

Homeowners can take proactive steps to prevent basement flooding, such as sealing basement windows and disconnecting downspouts. Visit the City’s Basement flooding page for more preventative steps and what to do if your basement floods.

The City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program now also offers rebates to eligible homeowners across Ottawa, including those in rural areas. This program makes it easier for all eligible homeowners to install protective plumbing devices, like sump pumps and backwater valves, to help safeguard their properties.