Region cautions residents of rising water levels in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills

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Published January 3, 2023 at 10:10 am

Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, dams and breakwalls and that any remaining ice-covered bodies of water are to be considered unsafe. PEXELS PHOTO

With more rain on its way, Conservation Halton is asking Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills residents to be extra cautious around any bodies of waters or dams and bridges due to elevated water levels.

Halton Region issued a special watershed condition statement on Monday (Jan. 2) after area watersheds received some 25 mm of rain over the previous 72 hours.

The Region says this, combined with melting snow, has caused saturated ground conditions and elevated levels in area rivers and streams.

According to Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC), the above freezing temperatures are expected to last through Wednesday (Jan. 4) with rain expected beginning to fall early Tuesday morning and continue through to the next day.

This will likely resulting in the continuation of elevated levels in rivers and streams in the area, though no flooding is expected at this time.

“However, Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, dams and breakwalls and that any remaining ice-covered bodies of water are to be considered unsafe,”  said Halton Region.

“Elevated water levels, fast flowing water and cold temperatures combined with slippery conditions along stream banks and freezing spray along shoreline areas continue to make these locations extremely dangerous.  Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.”

Conservation Halton said it will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will release an update as conditions warrant.

The Watershed Condition Statement will be in effect through Friday (Jan. 6).

The Region releases a watershed conditions statement when high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors could be dangerous for recreational use such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets and others.

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