Waterfront & Rideau River Health

Most of the pollutants and algae overgrowth in the river are caused by runoff from the shoreline soil containing chemicals. You can help the health of the Rideau River and your children and pets, by doing these simple things.

1. Plant more trees and shrubs to prevent rain run-off and pollution.
2. Reduce water consumption using water-efficient shower heads, low-flush toilets, full-load clothes washing.
3. Use environmentally friendly household and garden products.
4. Retain rainfall in rain barrels.
5. Dig up weeds rather than using pesticides (Fiskars makes the best tool).
6. If you use chemicals or 'natural' weed-killers, apply ONCE with a spot sprayer right before dry weather.
7. Use organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, corn gluten.
8. Use organic mulch (bark, cedar, hay, shredded leaves, bean hulls) around plants to conserve water, prevent weeds, and enriches the soil.
9. Keep plants healthy to reduce the need for chemical treatment.
10. Use biodegradable soap to wash a car on pavement.
11. Get involved in neighbourhood water-protection activities.
12. Soak weeds with vinegar during dry weather to kill them.

From the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) River Regulations for Ontario:
"In the Rideau watershed, off the waters of the Rideau Canal, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority will review your proposal ... will normally be undertaken associated with our ongoing review of a planning application or a "Fill, Construction and Alteration to Waterways" permit review under Section 28 of the Conservation Authorities Act. ... Play it safe. Have your project checked out first."

Related Information

• Environmental Tips for Your Yard
  Organic lawn and yard, kill weeds without chemicals, tips for waterfront property

  Recycling, Donating and Selling

  Links for give-away, recycling computers and electronics, and selling online

  Ash Borer Quarantine in a large area of Gatineau-Ottawa extends to Bankfield and Rideau Roads.

  Links for Home and Yard (Manotick Directory)
  Local food producers, farmers markets, links

Links to other Websites

• Emerald Ash Borer in Ottawa will gradually kill 25-30% of urban Ottawa trees, which are ash.
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) 1-866-463-6017
  • TreeAzin from bioforest.ca
• Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
  Environmental agency controls land in the Rideau flood plain. Septic information can be obtained from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority 613-692-0160
• Landowner Resource Centre (LRC)
  Information and grants for agriculture, shoreline, forests, septic and wells, fish and wildlife, recreation 613-692-2390
• Waterfront property approvals (Carleton Golf & Yacht Homeowners)
• Rideau River health - Burritts Rapids to Long Island
• Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region
  Information on source water protection, the Clean Water Act, and local projects.
• City of Ottawa - Rural clean water programs 560-6086 x3292