Water levels begin to drop but flood risk still remains along the Ottawa River

Water levels along the Ottawa River are continuing a slow decline after more than three weeks of flooding impacts on shoreline communities throughout the region.

According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, spring runoff from the northern portion of the basin is increasing due to recent rainfall. As a result, the current decline in water levels between Mattawa and Pembroke could slow down or temporarily stop in the coming days.

From Lake Coulonge to Arnprior, water levels and river flows are expected to gradually decrease throughout the week. However, officials caution that water levels will remain high across much of the watershed.

The northern basin continues to remain vulnerable to additional heavy rainfall this spring, and further increases in local water levels cannot be ruled out as runoff conditions continue.

Community members are encouraged to remain cautious near shorelines, stay informed on local flood updates, and continue monitoring conditions closely.