Residents living in Belleville, Ont. are being told to brace themselves as rising water levels continue to pose a problem for the flooded city.

The region remains in a state of emergency as the swollen Moira River's water levels are not expected to peak until tomorrow.

"Warm daytime temperatures forecast for later this week will continue snow melt in northern areas," said a flood warning update issued by the Quinte Conservation Authority. "Once peak water levels are reached the sustained flow from continued snow melt will likely keep water levels high for several days. It may take about one week for conditions to improve following peak levels."

About 145 homes will be affected by the flooding, according to the Conservation Authority. A number of homes have been evacuated and several others are being dotted with sandbags to help prevent flooding.

Flooding is being reported in the Foxboro area and within the Moira River watershed. According to a news release put out by the city of Belleville, flooding is most serious in the following areas:

  • River Road from Blessington Road to the north limit of River Road
  • Ashley Street from Highway 62 to Stirling-Frankford Road
  • Harmony Road from Ashley Street to River Road

Roads in the immediate area have been closed to traffic.

The city is also offering sandbag delivery to affected properties until 11 p.m. each night.

Boil water advisory

Belleville residents and those living in the Quinte Conservation area are also being warned not to drink water from private wells that have been impacted by the flooding, in fear that it could be contaminated.

The advisory does not extend to the municipal drinking water system.

The advisory warns residents not to drink untreated water if flood water is within 50 feet of the well or if there is a noticeable change in the well water such as taste, odour or colour.

"The risk of contamination to wells is high in flooding situations and therefore residents are encouraged to use an alternate source for domestic purposes," says the advisory.

Meanwhile, in nearby Peterborough, some streets were closed due to the flooding. Some residents got around town in a pair of galoshes, while others used boats.

Residents used pumps to get water out of flooded basements. Some homes in low-lying areas are sitting in nearly a foot of water.