Flood Information

Sign showing that a road is closed to traffic due to flooding

Flooding can happen quickly and conditions can change with little warning. This page brings together information to help residents stay informed, protect their property, and find trusted resources before, during, and after a flood event.

Current Conditions

Advisory

Flood Outlook in effect
(May 6 - 13, 2026)

Advised by the Ministry of Natural Resources

Read the current advisory

Sandbags

Self-service pickup is available at: 

Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala)

Hanna Park (40 Bailey St., Port Carling)

Find information on flood debris disposal

Subscribe for Updates

Receive watershed conditions updates and emergency alerts directly to your email. 

Click here to subscribe

→ Check Road Closures

→ Monitoring Water Levels

The Muskoka Water Web, maintained by the District of Muskoka provides public access to reliable information about watersheds, lakes, water quantity, water quality, monitoring programs, and lake data. It is a valuable resource for understanding local water conditions and tracking changes across the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor local conditions regularly and stay connected to trusted information sources during periods of high water.

To monitor local water levels, visit: Floodplain Mapping | The District Municipality of Muskoka

For more information on how water levels are managed in Muskoka Lakes as well as advocacy efforts carried out by the Township to date, visit: Water Levels: Township Advocacy | Township of Muskoka Lakes

Floodline and Lidar Mapping 2.0 | District of Muskoka

Newsfeed: Recent Activity

Burgess Dam Situation Update

If you received a Voyent Alert! notice on April 20, we would like to reassure residents that evacuation is not required.

The Burgess Dam in Bala is stable and operating as designed with added barriers in place to mitigate flooding, including sandbags and an aqua dam. Our contracted engineers and Public Works teams are closely monitoring conditions and ready to respond as needed.

The alert was issued for information‑sharing purposes only, to help keep the community informed and prepared should conditions change.

We apologize for any concern this may have caused. Our goal is to keep the community informed early and appropriately prepared should conditions evolve.

For questions or concerns, please contact us at 705-765-3156.

Checking In

Throughout this past week, Mayor Peter Kelley has been out in the community checking in with public works crews.

Here’s what the Township is doing now:

  • Our Emergency Management Team is meeting daily with staff, regional and provincial partners, and sharing regular updates from the MNR.

  • Public Works crews are monitoring roads and bridges every day, including through the weekend and ready to respond with sandbags and temporary infrastructure barriers to help mitigate flooding as conditions evolve.

  • Sandbag spillways are being set up to help protect Township infrastructure from erosion that is seeing increased water levels currently or saw impacts in 2019.

  • An Aqua Dam, provided by the Province, is being set up at Burgess Dam to help mitigate flooding and erosion if water levels continue to rise.

  • Emergency services are working closely with the OPP, District, and community partners for support as needed.

  • Stay Informed: Subscribe for email updates at muskokalakes.ca/subscribe, follow us on socials or call us directly at 705-765-3156.

Flood Safety & Preparedness Tips

Stay Informed: 

  • Monitor local weather forecasts, see current water bulletins and advisories issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on our News & Notices webpage, follow us on social media or call the Township office directly at 705-765-3156 for the latest updates.
  • Register for Voyent Alert! and download the app to be notified immediately on emergency alerts. 
  • Additional resources can be found at the bottom of this page. 

Keep Away From Flooded Areas: Never walk, wade, or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water. Even shallow water can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Protect Your Property: Move valuables, fuel tanks, and equipment to higher ground. Secure docks, boats, and loose shoreline items that could float away.

Around Water: Keep children and pets away from flooded shorelines, rivers, culverts, dams, and spillways. Cold, fast-moving water is extremely hazardous.

Be Ready to Act: Follow instructions from emergency officials and be prepared to leave the area if evacuation is recommended. Avoid unnecessary travel so emergency crews can respond safely. Have an emergency kit ready to take with you on short notice.

Learn more about what you should do before, during and after a flood, and where to get current flood information: Floods | ontario.ca

Safety instructions from the Electrical Safety Authority are available on their website if you suspect water has risen above the level of electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace or is near your electrical panel. If flood waters have risen above these electrical connections, contact your local electric utility immediately and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home. 

For information about Electrical Safety, please visit the Electrical Safety Authority website or contact them directly at 1-877-372-7233. 

Flooding is only one type of emergency that can affect our community. Visit our Emergency Preparedness page to learn how to make a household emergency plan, build an emergency kit, and prepare for a range of emergency situations.

voyent alert app

In times of crisis it is important that residents have access to trusted, timely and accurate information to ensure their own safety and that of their family and loved ones. In response to this need, the Muskoka Emergency Response Committee (MERC) has chosen Voyent Alert! as the communication service provider for these kinds of events.

To register and learn more, visit the #AlertMuskoka and Voyent Alert! webpage. 

Flood Recovery: Safety, Cleanup and Support

Water Contamination

Wells that may have been contaminated should be disinfected and tested before being placed back in service. A well should be considered contaminated any time the floodwater comes in contact with the well casing.

See Public Health Ontario for well water disinfection.

Do not pump your tank! Pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.

The best solution is back flow protection and drastically reduce water use in the house.

  • Do not drink surface water unless it is treated or well water until it is tested. View information on water testing
  • Do not use the sewage system until water levels are 1.5 metres (5 feet) below the surface of the leaching bed. Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity. Avoid contact with them until they are dry and clean.
  • Potential signs of damage may include settling or an inability of the system to accept water.
  • If your septic tank or pump chamber is subject to flooding be sure the septic tank's inspection cover is secure and sealed. Older tanks have concrete lids that may crack or chip permitting easy access of floodwaters. Septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be cleaned by a licensed hauler. Do not pump your tank immediately! Pumping it out while ground or surface water levels are at or near the top of the tank could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground. If the distribution pipe in the leaching bed is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed. The Ontario Building Code requires a permit be issued before replacing or repairing your septic tank or leaching bed.

Water Testing

If your residence uses municipal water and sewer services, the District of Muskoka is responsible for monitoring water quality. Water testing is performed regularly by an accredited private laboratory, as required by law. For more information on water quality and water testing, contact the District of Muskoka Engineering and Public Works Department at 705-645-6764.
Your residence may be designed to draw water from other sources such as:
  • A surface water source
  • A well (drilled well, dug well, well point)
  • Cistern

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers water testing kits for private wells. Water testing kits are available for pick up at the municipal office during regular office hours.

You must return water samples to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit during designated hours. For further information, please contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520. They can answer questions related to:

  • Locations
  • Hours of operation
  • Private well water testing
  • Water sampling
  • Safe drinking water
  • More

Building Repairs & Permits

If your property was affected by flooding, a professional assessment by a qualified engineer or home inspector may assist in identifying the extent of any damage. If safe, take photos of the damage for your records.

For safety reasons, do not enter buildings that have collapsed or are partially collapsed. 

When in doubt, reach out. If repairs or new builds are needed, contact the Building Department at 705-765-3156 or email bldg@muskokalakes.ca to confirm whether a building permit is required before starting work. For more information, visit Building, Demolition and Construction

A building permit will be required for any structural changes, alteration or repairs to any building which occupies an area greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet).

Please note that a sewage system is a building as defined by the Ontario Building Code and as such will require a permit for repairs or replacement of septic tanks and/or filter beds.

If you're unsure if a permit is needed, contact the Building Department at 705-765-3156 or email bldg@muskokalakes.ca to confirm before starting work.

If your sewage system has been flooded the operation of your sewage system or any of its components may have been affected. 

Once the flood waters have completely receded, it is recommended that you arrange for your septic tank to be pumped. A further review of your system and its components by a qualified installer, designer or professional engineer is recommended to ensure the system remains in good operating condition.  

Note: Keep a copy of all pump-out records. 

These records can be provided to the Township for future reference in respect to the Township’s Sewage System Maintenance Inspection Program. 

To schedule an inspection with the Township, please contact the Building Department at 705-765-3156 or email bldg@muskokalakes.ca.

When a building permit is not required:

  • Replacing deck boards or existing accessories 

When a building permit is required: 

  • If structural repairs are being made to a dock that supports a structure.

    In these cases, the structural parts must be designed by a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or a qualified designer with a structural BCIN. The design must consider lakebed conditions and expected loads, such as snow or boat lifts.

If you're unsure if a permit is needed, contact the Building Department at 705-765-3156 or email bldg@muskokalakes.ca to confirm before starting work.

Flood Debris & Garbage

In the Township of Muskoka Lakes, garbage and recycling is managed by the District of Muskoka.

Flood debris will not be collected at the curb. Items that don’t follow regular collection rules (i.e. bag limits and the Clear Bag Program) will not be picked up.

To support residents impacted by the April 2026 flooding event, the District is launching temporary fee relief programs for eligible flood-damaged residential waste. 

For more information on flood debris disposal and relief programs, click the button below. 

District of Muskoka | Flood Debris

Frequently Asked Questions

The Muskoka Water Web, maintained by the District of Muskoka provides public access to reliable information about watersheds, lakes, water quantity, water quality, monitoring programs, and lake data. It is a valuable resource for understanding local water conditions and tracking changes across the region. Residents are encouraged to monitor local conditions regularly and stay connected to trusted information sources during periods of high water.

To monitor local water levels, visit: Floodplain Mapping | The District Municipality of Muskoka

For more information on how water levels are managed in Muskoka Lakes as well as advocacy efforts carried out by the Township to date, visit: Water Levels: Township Advocacy | Township of Muskoka Lakes

On April 28th, 2019 at 11:34 a.m. Mayor Phil Harding declared an Emergency for the Township of Muskoka Lakes under the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act due to the rising water levels surrounding the area. The Township of Muskoka Lakes activated its Emergency Plan. The Emergency declaration was lifted on May 16th, 2019 as water levels were receding and recovery efforts continued. 

Read the Independent Review of the 2019 Flood Events in Ontario

The water levels in Muskoka are managed through manipulation of the stop logs in the dams in order to achieve conditions in accordance with the Muskoka River Watershed Management Plan (MRWMP). The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for all operational decisions with respect to the dams. 

Since the flood in 2019, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has been active in advocating for change to the MRWMP and for assistance in the development and implementation of mitigating strategies at the provincial level. Since that time the following presentations have been made to the province:

Advocacy remains one of the Townships key tools to affect change through its participation in groups such as the Muskoka Watershed Council and Muskoka River Watershed Communications Committee.

For more information on water levels and management in the Township, visit: Water Levels

Water levels in Muskoka are managed in accordance with the Muskoka River Watershed Management Plan (MRWMP). All operational decisions related to dam management including when and how water levels are adjusted are the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). 

The Township remains committed to monitoring local conditions, sharing timely information and resources with the public, taking steps to reduce flooding impacts where possible, delivering emergency services, and advocating on behalf of the Muskoka Lakes community. Since before the 2019 floods, the Township has actively engaged with provincial ministries, watershed partners, and advisory groups to advocate for improved flood mitigation strategies in Muskoka. For more information on the Townships advocacy to date, visit the following webpage: Water Levels

For questions regarding water levels and management, please contact:

Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound District Water Team
705-645-8747 
watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca

During extreme weather or a natural disaster, the Township’s Emergency Management Team may choose to meet regularly in order to monitor conditions, assess potential impacts, and coordinate appropriate response actions. The Township will also review the criteria for declaring an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

An emergency declaration is generally considered when a situation can no longer be managed using the Township’s existing operations, staff, and resources. At this time, the Township remains within its capacity to manage and mitigate flood impacts within its operational scope, including roads infrastructure, emergency services, facilities, and administrative functions.

No. An emergency declaration is not required for the Township to access provincial support or resources. It is also not required for the Township or affected community members to apply for provincial disaster recovery funding when such programs are activated by the Province.

Available provincial programs include:

  • Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO): This program may assist homeowners, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and farms with recovery costs following a natural disaster. This program does not extend to seasonal (secondary) properties.
  • Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA): This program is available to help municipalities recover eligible costs resulting from a natural disaster.

Property owners are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to explore available coverage and options.

Please note: These programs are offered through the Province of Ontario. The Township may share information about relevant recovery programs, but it does not administer or oversee provincial disaster recovery funding.

External Resources

Need Help or Support?

If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Emergency Services

Police, Fire, or Ambulance: Call 911
Always call if someone is in danger, injured, or if you need urgent assistance.

Non-Emergency Support

For non-urgent situations, you can contact the following resources:

  • Muskoka Lakes Fire Department – for questions about fire safety, smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, or heating concerns: 705-765-3156

  • Township of Muskoka Lakes – for road maintenance, property access, or local service updates: 705-765-3156 

  • Hydro One – to report a power outage: 1-800-434-1235 or visit online

  • 211 Ontario – for community services, warming centres, and emergency shelter information: dial 2-1-1 or visit online

  • Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District (MNR) – for water management: 705-645-8747 or watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca

Stay Connected With Us

Contact Us

Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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