High Water

• Prepare in the fall to manage spring runoff. Even in low snow areas, meltwater from upstream may add to runoff through your property.

Septic Systems

• Conserve water to reduce the volume going into your septic leaching bed. High spring water tables and saturated ground may reduce the effectiveness of your system.
• If you suspect that the water table is higher than your septic leaching bed, contact a septic inspector. You could be contaminating surface water.
• Pump your tank late in the summer. If you pump when the water table is high, the empty tank could float up.

Flood Preparedness

• You local Conservation Authority will likely have maps that can identify if you are in a flood risk area. If your home or property is at risk from imminent flooding contact your municipality or local emergency services for assistance.

Spring Mud

• Avoid using a muddy driveway. Rake out ruts before they dry and harden.
• Use planks or boards to create temporary boardwalks. This saves compacting the soil and helps keep mud out of your house and car.

Docks

• Hold off putting docks into the water until ground conditions have hardened, to prevent damage to the shoreline.

Spring Clean-up

• Remove human-made garbage; it can harm wildlife and their habitat, interfere with your recreation and it’s ugly! But leave nature’s debris; logs, branches and trees that have washed up on your shoreline or beach. Resist collecting them for firewood – they are essential to protecting your shoreline from erosion.

Living by Water: Your Seasonal Guide, Printer-friendly Version

Living by Water: Your Seasonal Guide - Summer
Living by Water: Your Seasonal Guide - Fall
Living by Water: Your Seasonal Guide - Winter