We realize there are a lot of concerns due to the high water level. The Department of Public Works & Parks Sewer Operations Division has checked the controls at the dam and all is working properly, however, the lake has received quite a bit of water in the last couple of weeks. Precipitation from the rain, ice and snow melt moves through the entire watershed into the lake through the inlets and streams in addition to what comes from the sky. Yet the space to exit is only about 6 feet wide. The water continues to move out but obviously is impacted by what continues to come in.
The sole purpose of our drawdown is for nonnative, invasive plant management. Exposing certain plants to the cold has been an effective tool to reduce the spread while reducing the need for chemical treatments. It has been in place since the 1990’s yet the amount of the target drawdown has varied between 3 feet and 6 feet. There is always the possibility of water level variations. While it has remained an effective tool for certain plants, it is not as effective with others, thus the effectiveness continues to be monitored with the ultimate goal of managing invasive, nonnative species in the most environmentally friendly way.
The goal for this year is to reduce the water level by 5 feet vertical. This is the same level we have used the last several years but Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. It will continue to be monitored but as of right now, the water is very high but it continues to exit over the dam.
An update with current projects will be sent within the next couple of days.
Thank you for your support. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2021!
Beth Proko
President
