Conservation Authority urges caution around Streams and Rivers (media release, February 16, 2026)
February 16, 2026 Conservation Authority urges caution around Streams and Rivers The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects this week’s warmer temperatures and rain will melt some of the snowpack and raise water levels in local rivers and streams. Everyone is reminded to use extra caution and avoid waterways and flooded areas. A low-pressure system has entered the region and is forecast to remain throughout the week, bringing [...]
Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels (flood bulletin, February 15-20, 2026)
Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook 2026 Flood Event 2, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued February 15, 2026, at 6:00 pm; Valid until February 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm) A warm-up with rain forecast over the next several days is expected to cause runoff and elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams. A low-pressure system has entered the region and is forecast to [...]
Mid-Winter Reminder: Salt, Snow, and Protecting Our Drinking Water
Mid-Winter Reminder: Salt, Snow, and Protecting Our Drinking Water As winter settles in and snow and ice become part of our daily routines, road salt and snow removal play an important role in keeping sidewalks, driveways, and roads safe. However, mid-winter is also a key time to pause and think about how these winter practices can impact our drinking water sources. Why Winter Matters for Source Water Protection It’s easy to assume that frozen ground protects [...]
2025 Water Quality Monitoring Summary
2025 Water Quality Monitoring Summary The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) assesses water quality through surface water and groundwater monitoring programs. These programs test multiple parameters at sites throughout the watershed, providing a good overview of long-term data and trends in water quality.
UTRCA Tree Planting on Private Lands Program
UTRCA Tree Planting on Private Lands Program Visit the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) website to order your large stock trees and seedlings to plant next spring. We have a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs available. Trees ordered through this program can be planted by the landowner or through our full planting service (if minimum order requirements are met). Planting projects include: windbreaks, retiring highly erodible land, treed [...]
Phosphorus in our Watershed
Phosphorus in our Watershed This January, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), with support from the Canada Water Agency, launched "Phosphorus in our Watershed," a specialized educational initiative for local Grade 9 Science students. In this three-part program, UTRCA Community Education staff reached nearly 100 students across four classes in the northern part of our watershed at Stratford District Secondary School and St. Michael Catholic Secondary School. [...]
Christmas and Winter for the Animals
Christmas and Winter for the Animals In December and January, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Education staff were delighted to host over 600 Kindergarten, Grade 1 and 2 students for our Christmas for the Animals and Winter for the Animals programs at Fanshawe Conservation Area. The wintery weather certainly cooperated with us, leaving a snowy landscape for the students to explore and enjoy! Students made lasting memories of [...]
Do You Have Invasive Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, or Phragmites on Your Property?
Do You Have Invasive Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, or Phragmites on Your Property? The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Invasive Species Collaborative Program Opportunity The UTRCA is developing a funding initiative to address the growing concern of three invasive plants: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), and Phragmites (Phragmites australis). As part of this initiative, we are reaching out to landowners whose property may be affected [...]
UTRCA Watershed Low Water Status: Normal
UTRCA Watershed Low Water Status: Normal There is no current low water level advisory in the UTRCA watershed. Find out more about Low Water Response.
Upper Thames River Watershed no longer experiencing low water conditions (January 14, 2026)
UUpper Thames River Watershed no longer experiencing Low Water Conditions (January 14, 2026) A review of stream flows as well as 30 and 90 day precipitation data indicates that the Upper Thames River watershed has returned to Normal Low Water Conditions, thanks to the recent snow, rain, and snowmelt. The watershed had been in low water conditions since late August 2025. The Ontario Low Water Program was developed to support local response in the event of drought. Under this [...]