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Spring flooding 2022

Current situation

Updated Friday, May 13, 5 p.m.

No significant flooding is anticipated at this time along the Ottawa River. 

City crews will continue to monitor areas for response as required.

If your property is at risk call 3-1-1. If it is an emergency situation, call 9-1-1.

For information on water levels and flood plains, see the following websites:

Questions you should ask yourself at the start of flooding season

Find out if your home is in a flood plain.

Tips to prevent basement flooding

Residents can help prevent basement flooding with a few simple changes around the home:

  • Seal window wells and cracks in floors, walls and the foundation.
  • Slope ground away from the foundation to allow rainwater to flow away from the home.
  • Direct downspouts from eaves troughs away from the foundation (minimum of 1.2 metres) or to a rain barrel.
  • Disconnect downspouts from the sewer system or foundation drains.
  • Ensure foundation drains direct water to the storm sewer or sump pump. Foundation drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer.
  • Ensure the sump pump is connected to the storm sewer or discharges to the ground at least 1.2 metres from the foundation.
  • Install protective plumbing devices, such as backwater valves which protect against surcharging in City sewers. The City’s Residential Protective Plumbing Program offer rebates to qualified homeowners.
  • Maintain existing protective plumbing devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A protective plumbing device should be maintained periodically or before a forecasted heavy rainfall to ensure it is free of debris, functioning properly and that cleanout caps and access covers are firmly secured.
    • In older homes, especially those with cast iron pipes, additional maintenance may be required, as rust can accumulate at the hinge and prevent proper closure of the backwater valve during a surcharge event.
    • For more tips on backwater valve maintenance, refer to a video on Backwater Valve Maintenance from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

For more tips on preventing basement flooding, refer to the Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction.

Sandbags

The City of Ottawa provides sand and sandbags to residents who live in areas prone to Spring flooding at various locations across the City. Sand and sandbags are currently available outside the entrance gates at the following works yards:

  • 29 Hurdman Road
  • 2145 Roger Stevens Drive
  • 911 Industrial Avenue
  • 2941 March Road 
  • 4127 John Shaw Road (Kinburn) 
  • 4244 Rideau Valley Drive
  • Leo Lane / East Shore Road
  • Armstrong Road / Boisé Lane

Before you begin

Are you feeling unwell in any way? Please return home and isolate yourself and visit the Province of Ontario’s COVID-19 assessment screening tool and follow the directions.

Help protect each other – we are in this together!

Guidelines at our sand filling stations:

  • Practice physical distancing and stay at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from others. Make an effort to step aside or pass others quickly and courteously
  • Work in small teams with members of your household or your immediately family.

Standard precautions

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer as soon as possible once you have finished working
  • Wear protective footwear and use gloves to protect against cuts and scrapes
  • Bring your own shovel and avoid sharing
  • Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands
  • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve inside your elbow – stay home if ill.