NO ADVISORIES
7-day Flood Outlook
UPDATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2024
- No active flood advisories or warnings for the Merritt area.
- The City monitors river levels regularly, from daily to more frequently when water levels rise.
- The City is also in regular communication with Provincial weather and environmental data notification centres.
Monitor the latest alerts at BC Flood Warning & Advisory.
View Real-time Stream Flow from the BC River Forecast Centre for the Brookmere Station on the Coldwater River. Also see the Nicola River Outlet from the lake.
As a historical reference, the 2021 flood saw discharge from the Coldwater River in excess of 225 m3/s. Typical Spring Freshet sees discharge around 50 – 75 m3/s.
*Navigate the map, click on the Station Centre circle. Click “more info”in the pop-up text box to open the latest advisory.
BE PREPARED
Be Prepared
Preparation is key. Residents are responsible for flood prevention on their own private property. If your property is near any water source, you may want to be prepared for overland flood. Sandbagging and drainage ditches are your best bet.
If your property is in a low-lying area, you may be susceptible to groundwater seepage into your basement or ground floor. Installing a sump pump and improving drainage around your home is recommended. Also be sure to clear your drains and gutter system. It is also recommended that you ensure that your land slopes away from your home, and, if necessary, install land drainage.
If you need to construct a sandbag dike or wall to protect your property, the City has a sandbagging facility in the Public Works parking lot at 1298 Coldwater Avenue. Also get some sandbagging tips and information from Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
Other Emergency Preparedness Tips
- Prepare an emergency plan and have a plan for evacuation of your family, pets or livestock. Visit the Get Prepared webpage before a flood for additional tips on what to do before, during, and after a flood.
- Assemble a 72-hour kit disaster preparedness kit and acquire the tools and supplies that might be needed before, during and after a flood. Make sure your emergency kit includes enough food, water, a first-aid kit, identification and medications for your entire family.
- Place your important documents and identification on an upper floor in a sealed plastic bag.
- Review insurance available for your property. Some coverage is available for overland flow and surface water; typically groundwater damage is not covered. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness expects property owners to obtain flood insurance, when and where available. Property owners who choose not to obtain flood insurance, where available, may not be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance.
- Know where the power and water shut-off is in your house.
- Do not to pump water into the sanitary sewer system. It is only designed to accept typical household water waste.
- Sign up for emergency alerts on the Voyent Alert app. Monitor the City of Merritt’s news page, facebook page and twitter feed (@CityofMerritt). And visit the Thompson-Nicola Regional District Emergency Page for up-to-date information on emergencies in our regional district.
Watering Restrictions | Level 3
The City of Merritt is maintaining Level 3 Watering Restrictions year-round as a measure to practice sound water conservation principles and prevent more severe watering restrictions mid-summer.
Level 3 watering restrictions allow lawn watering 2 TIMES a week:
- EVEN # Addresses: Thursday & Sunday
Odd # Addresses: Tuesday & Saturday - Manual Sprinkler: 6am–8 am OR 7pm–9pm
- Automated Irrigation: 12am – 2am
- Gardens: Drip Irrigation or Handwatering with user-controlled auto-shut-off valve: Anytime. (Does not include lawns).
- Washing: with user-controlled auto-shut-off valve: Anytime.
- Pools & Ponds: Top up only.
- Bulk Water Sales: Permitted.
