Flood Forecasting
ERCA, like all Conservation Authorities, assists those in our region with flood risk management. ERCA monitors stream flow, lake and river water levels, and ice conditions within our watershed. We assess soil saturation levels and provide flood warnings to local municipalities and agencies when necessary. We also prepare flood contingency plans and assist municipalities during the emergency response process, and access weather information at both the local and international levels to allow timely alerts to be issued.
How ERCA Serves You
The Essex Region Conservation Authority provides critical services at every stage of flood risk management.
Mitigation and Prevention
ERCA works to help you Limit and Reduce Exposure to Risk, by implementing ERCA’s Regulations and Policies, operating our flood forecasting and warning program, creating a flood protection strategy for vulnerable areas, and guiding remedial works projects.
We help you Understand and Document Risk through climate change science guidance, climate, geology, and watershed behaviour mapping, and mapping and identification of vulnerable area through surveying and GIS.
Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
ERCA’s flood advisory plan and public education campaigns help prepare residents for flood events. We issue Flood Forecasts and Flood Warnings, communicate and advise on proper steps for before and during a flood event, and maintain data records to assist in these efforts.
Recovery
ERCA participates in flood event documentation and analysis, and helps provide lessons-learned guidance to municipalities and the public.