Flood Status

Low Water Status

That's a lot of Fish!
Gizzard shad, a member of the Herring Family, have been showing up in unusually large numbers this fall. While they may not be indicators of stream health or river recovery they do give an indication of the incredible productivity of the Thames that is often difficult to observe. The fish are usually present in fairly large numbers but stay in deeper water where they are rarely caught by anglers, as they are herbivores feeding primarily on algae.
  The photo below was taken below Fanshawe Dam at the hydroelectric plant outflow, where the fish appeared to be feeding on algae flowing through from the reservoir. Other sightings have been at warm water outflows due to sewage or industrial discharges.
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   This species is a fairly recent resident of the Thames and is at the northern limit of their range. They are only marginally hardy and first year fish, in particular, must find warmer water to survive the winter.

Planting Buffers in the Dorchester Watershed
The UTRCA has identified the headwater region of the Dorchester watershed as a high priority area for conservation initiatives, particularly buffer restoration projects. The watershed’s water quality can benefit greatly from vegetation planted along open watercourses and drains.
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Drinking Water Source Protection

Inspiring a Healthy Environment

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Our area of jurisdiction, the upper watershed of the Thames River, covers 3,432 square kilometres in southwestern Ontario and is home to approximately 485,000 people. The Thames is a Canadian Heritage River.