Flooding. Photo courtesy of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.Flooding. Photo courtesy of the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority.
Chatham

Record high water levels prompt safety statement

High water levels on Lake Huron, the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair have led officials with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) to issue a water safety bulletin.

The SCRCA issued the bulletin Tuesday afternoon. According to Emily De Cloet, water resources specialist, the high water levels combined with a wet spring has resulted in elevated water levels across the watershed.

"With water levels remaining high at the outlet of the Sydenham River, it has slowed the movement of water out of the system," De Cloet said in a news release. "These conditions have led to sustained high water levels in Wallaceburg, where water is approximately 20 to 30 centimetres higher than average for this time of year."

De Cloet added that wind coming from the south or the west and even minimal amounts of precipitation may further slow the movement of the water from the Sydenham River, causing possible flooding in Wallaceburg.

"Soils already saturated from rain and prolonged high water levels could contribute to ponding, increased runoff into watercourses and possible increased erosion and seepage issues," she said.

The statement is in effect indefinitely. The SCRCA is reminding people to avoid riverbanks and flooded areas.

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