Major flooding not expected with rainfall and mild temperatures in Peterborough

Otonabee Conservation is advising residents to stay away from lakes, rivers and streams due to the heavy rainfall over the past two days.

Officials say ice conditions and banks aren’t safe and should be avoided.

While upwards of 25 millimetres of rain is expected before the rain moves out on Wednesday, flooding isn’t a concern on lakes and rivers within the watershed.

“Where there isn’t ice cover, we’re seeing increased water levels and increased flows. But we aren’t expecting flooding where the water exceeds the bank confines of a water body or watercourse,” said Gordon Earle, water resources technologist with Otonabee Conservation.

WATCH: GTA on flood watch as heavy rainfall expected

But flooding may occur in lower lying areas or on properties where drainage isn’t good.

Omemee resident Lindsay Mitchell awoke Tuesday to find her front lawn and laneway under water.

“This is what I found. A quick rising river. Now my laneway is gone into my pond. Thankfully I have good neighbours to help me out. It’s just too much, too fast,” said Mitchell.

READ MORE: Feds fund flood mitigation project in City of Kawartha Lakes

Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for the region on Monday.

Otonabee Conservation has a water safety bulletin out that will expire on Thursday, while Kawartha Conservation near Lindsay has issued a flood watch until Friday.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the City of Peterborough issued a statement asking residents to reduce water consumption due to increased water volumes entering the municipal wastewater treatment plant, putting it into second bypass mode.

“Secondary bypass means that all of the sewage will be screened, and will receive primary treatment and UV disinfection, but does not receive the secondary polishing treatment,” the city stated.

Residents downstream of Peterborough who draw water from the river are advised to take necessary precautions and boil water.

“Residents can reduce their water consumption by taking short showers instead of baths, limiting or delaying loads of laundry and turning off taps while brushing teeth and doing dishes,” the city stated.