On January 14, 2026, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) announced that the Upper Thames watershed had moved from low-water status back to “Normal.” While St. Thomas is located in the neighbouring Kettle Creek watershed (managed by the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority), the UTRCA update is a positive regional signal that moisture levels are recovering after a dry period that began last autumn.
UTRCA and local conservation authorities say rising water levels typically submerge shoreline vegetation and structure, creating new feeding opportunities for resident fish species. That process is expected to help replenish the Dalewood Reservoir and the Waterworks Park pond; species commonly found in these waters include carp, largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie, which often move toward newly flooded margins to feed.
Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) manages the Dalewood Conservation Area and local infrastructure at Dalewood and Waterworks Park. Higher water levels should make some boat launches and shoreline access points easier to use after the recent dry spell, though residents should check directly with KCCA for the current status of specific docks and ramps. The previous low-water period in late 2025 did reduce access in places where muck and low clearance made launches difficult.
Officials also urge caution: rising and fast-moving water, and slippery banks, can still be hazardous in winter. Residents and visitors should check local safety updates and follow standard invasive-species precautions (Clean, Drain, Dry) to help protect local waterways and equipment.
