The Township is committed to seeking out, and promoting surface water quality data from various sources in order to maintain and improve the ecological health of our lakes, rivers, and tributaries. To this end, the Township has relied on partnerships with the Cataraqui Conservation Authority, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks, and various Lake Associations to acquire water quality data that can help inform residents of water quality trends in our lakes, with the hope of providing a scientific basis for policies and programs to further the Township’s goal of maintaining and improving the water quality of the various lakes in the Township. Water quality data can be found at the links below:

Sustainable Drainage

Nestled along the picturesque Rideau Canal and waterway, Rideau Lakes is home to several stunning lakes and multiple communities that rely on them. Over time, these lakes have seen increased pressure through development, changes in weather patterns, and various other sources. These changes have resulted in the need for an adaptive approach to stormwater management.

In 2022, the Township partnered with the Big Rideau Lake Association and local conservation authorities to create a sustainable drainage pilot project.  The pilot project assesses the storm water drainage in Portland, Ontario which includes an analysis storm water quality, and the impact of best practices on the municipal drainage system in a rural village setting.  More information about the project, including monitoring, recommendations and literature reports can be found at https://www.rvca.ca/sustainable-drainage-pilot-project-portland.

Water Quality Resources

• RVCA Water Quality Data Map
• CRCA Lake Information
• Lake Partner Program Map 
• Blue Green Algae Information from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks