WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY - May 1, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY, Extended
DATE: MAY 1, 2026
TIME:  11:30 am

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting network
• Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Trent Severn Waterway

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Center and Trent Severn Waterway, Kawartha Conservation is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety until Wednesday, May 6, 2026. This Water Safety statement applies to the shoreline areas and waterbodies located within the Kawartha Conservation Watershed boundary.

Conditions across the Kawartha Conservation watershed continue to recover following elevated water levels in local lakes and streams. Water management operations throughout the Trent-Severn Waterway have supported this recovery and are expected to continue until conditions return to normal. Current forecasts remain favourable, with cool air temperatures expected to continue and only a minor precipitation event forecast for early next week. 

Flooding is not anticipated at this time, however water safety concerns still remain in place across the Kawartha Conservation watershed as lake water levels are still above normal seasonal conditions. Residents are advised to use caution when accessing lakes, streams, and shorelines for recreational activities during this time. Conditions near watercourses may remain unstable until water levels continue to recede and return closer to seasonal normals. 

Kawartha Conservation continues to closely monitor weather forecasts, water levels, and flows across the watershed. We remain in communication with partner agencies including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation Authorities. 

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt River and Gull River, are monitored by Ministry of Natural Resources staff. Residents with questions regarding water levels along these rivers are encouraged to contact the Minden Area Office at 705-286-1521 or refer to current flood messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies will continue to receive updates through the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media channels. Residents may also subscribe to receive flood messages directly. 

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until May 6, 2026, or will be updated as required.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is a general notice that existing or potential conditions pose a risk to personal safety.  Watershed Conditions Statements - Water Safety may be issued when streams are flowing at or near bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.