Otonabee Conservation Urges Caution Around Water After Unusually High Water Levels Along The Trent Severn

A water safety update has been issued for the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW). High water flows are possible, though flooding is not expected.

Photo by Luke Best.

Over the past 20 days, watersheds draining into the Kawartha Lakes from the north have received 100 to 200 per cent of the normal total amount of rainfall for this time of year, causing unusually higher-than-normal water levels and flows along the TSW.

As of Monday, Locks 1 – Trenton through to Locks 19 – Scotts Mills and Locks 22 - Nassau through Lock 27 – Young’s Point are closed to navigation until further notice. This partial closure will protect boater safety and help to prevent shoreline erosion and property damage. Boaters are requested to lower their speeds and watch their wake.

Residents and visitors are reminded to exercise extreme caution on and around the water because water is an extremely powerful force that should never be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children and pets should not be allowed to approach the edge of waterbodies/watercourses. KEEP S.A.F.E. - Stay Away From Edges of riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be slippery and the banks may collapse because they are undercut.

Area water information can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Conservation Precipitation and Water Level Data

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