Beavers, lack of rain cause Kemptville Creek low water status to rise

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has upgraded the low water status for the Kemptville Creek. The release was sent out today upgrading the status from minor to moderate severity. The RVCA says rain in Kemptville has had little effect on flows with much of it going into the soil and wetlands.

The Kemptville Creek is down to intermittent pools in some sections. The RVCA says beaver activities have contributed to the issue, with dams causing ponding. The beavers are creating pools upstream of their dams that are causing or expanding dry sections downstream. The ponding on Kemptville Creek has left fish and other aquatic populations with confined spaces, warmer water and declining oxygen concentrations.  

The RVCA will continue to monitor the situation and keep the public posted about changing conditions. Water conservation should be practised by everyone within the Rideau River watershed.