The Ottawa River Regulating Committee says warm weather is causing the river basin's spring runoff to increase rapidly and flooding could begin at any time.

The increase in water flows has led to warnings that residents living in low-lying areas near the Ottawa River need to prepare for the imminent flood risk.

Forecasts suggest the river's water levels are expected to continue to rise for at least another week.

Belleville remains under state of emergency

Meanwhile, flooding continues near Belleville, Ont. which remains under a state of emergency.

The swollen Moira River's water levels are not expected to peak until Wednesday. The raging waters have already caused several road closures and continue to threaten hundreds of homes.

"Warm daytime temperatures forecast for later this week will continue snow melt in northern areas," said a flood warning update issued by the Quinte Conservation Authority. "Once peak water levels are reached the sustained flow from continued snow melt will likely keep water levels high for several days. It may take about one week for conditions to improve following peak levels."

About 145 homes will be affected by the flooding, according to the Conservation Authority. A number of homes have been evacuated and several others are being dotted with sandbags to help prevent flooding.

Flooding is being reported in the Foxboro area and within the Moira River watershed. According to a news release put out by the city of Belleville, flooding is most serious in the following areas:

  • River Road from Blessington Road to the north limit of River Road
  • Ashley Street from Highway 62 to Stirling-Frankford Road
  • Harmony Road from Ashley Street to River Road
  • Roads in the immediate area have been closed to traffic.

The city is also offering sandbag delivery to affected properties until 11 p.m. each night. This is the worst flooding to hit the area since 1981.

Boil water advisory

Belleville residents and those living in the Quinte Conservation area are also being warned not to drink water from private wells that have been impacted by the flooding, in fear that it could be contaminated.

The advisory does not extend to the municipal drinking water system.

The advisory warns residents not to drink untreated water if flood water is within 50 feet of the well or if there is a noticeable change in the well water such as taste, odour or colour.

"The risk of contamination to wells is high in flooding situations and therefore residents are encouraged to use an alternate source for domestic purposes," says the advisory.