— The following is a release from the Trent Severn Waterway and Parks Canada —
Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – August 6, 2025
Parks Canada’s water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.
Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Trent-Severn Waterway website at: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/point-gestion-eau-water-management-updates.
The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.
This information is intended as supplemental information only. Please refer to your respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are: Kawartha Conservation, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, Ganaraska Conservation Authority, Lower Trent Conservation Authority, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority or, in all other areas of the Trent and Severn Watersheds, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Weather
Rainfall amounts for June and July have been 75% below normal, and until last week, the same was true for the beginning of August. The 14-day forecast suggests high temperatures and low precipitation. Most of the rainfall forecasted is expected to be associated with thunderstorms, which could result in highly variable amounts from one location to another.
Outlook
The ongoing hot and dry conditions over an extended period have resulted in lower-than-normal local inflows and increased evaporation rates. Consequently, the system has transitioned from summer-like conditions to a deficit state. Water management and operational activities are being conducted to appropriately respond to these changes and may result in water level fluctuations across the system.
The Trent-Severn Waterway Water Management team remains active, and changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any updates regarding watershed conditions will be released by your Conservation Authority.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
Most lakes are below long-term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 65% full, Burnt River reservoirs are 66% full, and the Central Reservoirs are 69% full. Drawdown will continue, with the rate of decline largely dependent on the amount of rainfall received. The most recent water level forecast will guide these activities.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
The Kawartha Lakes are below average, and the Otonabee River flow is set to minimum.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Rice Lake is near average, and the Lower Trent River reaches remain within standard ranges.
Lake Simcoe and Severn River
Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and the Severn River flow is set to minimum.
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