By Patricia Bogumil
Interim editor
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently approved a temporary permit request from the Racine County Board of Drainage Commissioners for a drawdown on local waterways expected to begin Friday, Oct. 21.
“We will be lowering the water level again this year to inspect for future repairs that may need to be done,” explained Commissioner Alan Jasperson.
“It will also allow us to inspect the entire system and evaluate other areas.”
The approved permit expires Feb. 28.
The water level will be dropping slowly, said Jasperson. “It gets down over a week, 10 days, maybe two weeks,” Jasperson said.
The drawdown begins by opening wide the gates at the Rochester Dam during this period, Jasperson said.
“We want all residents to be aware that the water levels in the system, from Rochester Dam to Waterford Dam, and from Rochester Dam to Wind Lake Dam, will be extremely low during this period,” he said.
The drawdown will enable local residents to use the low water levels to do brush removal and cleaning or shoreland restorations, he added.
Before starting work, residents should contact Rachel Sabre with the DNR to see if a permit is needed. She can be reached at (414) 263-8601 or [email protected].
In February, action will be taken to ensure that the water level will slowly begin to rise, Jasperson said.
-
-
-
-
-