The water is high in the Speed River and Eramosa River that flow through Guelph, as the Grand River Conservation Authority relieves some of the rising water in Guelph Lake.
Recent heavy rains, including those that fell throughout the day and evening Thursday, have filled reservoirs through the Grand River watershed, including those that meet the Guelph Lake dam.
The dam is essentially a flood control measure that moderates water levels in Guelph Lake and down stream from it. Parts of the Eramosa and Speed rivers within the city are in a flood plain, but the dam has prevented flooding for many years.
GRCA warned this week that while no major flooding is imminent in the watershed at this time, more rain could result in flooding in places like New Hamburg, Ayr, and Grand Valley.
Discharges of rising water from the Shand, Conestogo, Guelph and Woolwich dams have been stepped up to maintain optimal storage levels in the reservoirs. The low level bridge in St. Jacob’s has been closed until the Conestogo River recedes.
Water levels in Guelph Lake inched upward throughout the month of March, and have remained slightly above the upper capacity range throughout 2016.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses, and children and pets should stay clear of reservoirs and the swift flowing rivers.