Conservation Halton using new terminology in flood and water safety messages effective February 21, 2012.

When flooding is possible or about to occur, Conservation Halton issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials, school boards, police and EMS as well as the media. The municipal officials then take action to warn local residents.

• Normal (stays the same): Conditions are within normal limits. No flooding is expected.
  
• Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): a general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
  1. Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
  2. Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion. 
     
• Flood Watch (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. 
  
• Flood Warning (No change): Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

More about the new flood and water safety terminology
The new terminology is being adopted by Conservation Halton, other Conservation Authorities across Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). These changes will ensure their messages are consistent and in line with severe weather terminology used by other agencies such as Environment Canada and the Weather Network.

The new terms were developed by a committee of representatives of Conservation Authorities, Conservation Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada and other agencies.

Monitoring weather and flood conditions is a shared responsibility of Conservation Authorities, OMNR, and Envrionment Canada. The OMNR Surface Water Monitoring Centre in Peterborough monitors weather forecasts and water levels across the province, providing the information to Conservation Authorities. Other information is also available from Environment Canada.

Conservation Halton also takes action to control water levels and reduce flooding through the operation of our four reservoirs in the Halton watershed. Click here for more information on Conservation Halton's Flood Warning Program and facilities.

Click here to visit Conservation Ontario's Flood Portal with more flooding information and links.