Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Flood Watch today for Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake & Water Safety Statement for inland lakes and streams due to elevated and increasing flows and water levels.
Weather Situation: Heavy rainfall associated with the thunderstorms on June 30 and July 1 has caused runoff to area watercourses and inland lakes, increasing water levels and flows. It appears that the Gananoque River system received more rainfall on July 1 than other areas, with 84 mm reported to have fallen that afternoon and evening.
More thunderstorms are possible today (July 2) that could bring additional rainfall.
Conditions: Flows are elevated on many watercourses, and some are continuing to increase. The Gananoque River could see flows similar to those during the spring freshet (snowmelt period). Water levels on Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake are high. The Cataraqui River system is also experiencing elevated levels.
Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system.
Risks: The main consideration is water safety along watercourses. Discharge rates through dams are increasing. Wiltse Creek and the Gananoque River downstream of Marble Rock Dam could see flows similar to those experienced during the spring freshet (snowmelt period). These high flows are expected to persist through the weekend and the week of Monday, July 6th.
Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.
Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible. Charleston Lake and Gananoque Lake, specifically, are noted areas of concern.
If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality. Sand and sandbag availability and location information is provided at the bottom of this statement.
Requests for additional information associated with managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
Portage Power (PP)
E-mail: info@portagepower.com
Parks Canada
E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
Cataraqui Conservation
E-mail: info@crca.ca
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood