GRCA Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

The weather system crossing the watershed is bringing above freezing temperatures and approximately 15 mm of rainfall tonight, resulting in increased river flows throughout the Grand River watershed. 

No significant flooding is expected with this event; however, river flows in local waterways will be higher than normal for this time of year, increasing the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.

GRCA Reservoirs

GRCA reservoirs will be used to reduce downstream flooding; however, river flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.

Public Safety

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways and is strongly advised to stay off all ice at this time. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children and pets away from shorelines and off frozen surfaces, as conditions can change quickly. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

The GRCA’s December 9, 2025, Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety related to frozen water bodies remains in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

More information

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• Water safety information for parents and children is available on the Water Safety section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on Twitter at @grca_flood_msg.
• More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone (519) 621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca