A request and decision to pump the lake is not made lightly. It was recommended in the 1973 Botham Report (based on the 1968 hydrometric marker installed in the lake) that water levels in the lake be maintained between 12.6 vertical ft. and 17.6 vertical ft. The treeline is at 18.5 vertical feet. When the water level reaches 19.5 vertical ft built infrastructure is threatened and in danger of flood. When looking at levels of flood, the board considers water that is covering land property, water that is threatening infrastructure and water that is threatening residents’ homes. None of these are positive for the lake and its’ residents. When water expands over land and then recedes back into the lake it takes with it debris, chemicals, fertilizer etc. Many residents do not have wells and get their water from the lake. Also at risk, are any wells or septic fields close to the water line.
The board cannot begin pumping without permission and consultation with provincial water authorization officers. Both his and the board’s priorities are the protection and preservation of property and essential infrastructure. By the time the water reaches residents’ homes, it is too late to begin pumping, Our pump can remove 1/8 of an inch of water from the lake daily, so it can be a judgement call on when pumping should start. Historically, certain percentages of snowpack have resulted in certain increases in water when the freshet comes in. Sometimes, the board will ask for permission to pump in order to create enough space to contain an expected increase. This determination is made based on our historical averages for freshets at this lake and guidance we received about how much storage capacity we should maintain. Sometimes that increase does not happen or sometimes it is more than anticipated. At no time does the board pump or not pump water to impact the aesthetics of any resident beaches.
The board must provide lake levels to the Water Authorization Officer, along with a rationale when a request is made. Often someone from the office will come to inspect and look over the lake. The levels of the Observational Wells #403 and 404 in the Twin Lake area and Observational Well #282 in Willlowbrook are checked. If, and when, permission is granted, we are given restrictions on how much we can pump. The board must provide daily lake levels weekly to let the Water Authorization Officer know we are complying. We are also tasked with monitoring water levels downstream in the Willowbrook area etc. to ensure we are not causing harm. Many residents would prefer we pump sooner than later and some residents object to the pumping beginning sooner than they feel is necessary. The board takes everyone’s views into consideration and gives equal weight to each opinion. As stated, our goal is to try and prevent property damage if possible, and the advice and guidance of the Water Authorization Officer is the determining factor in making the decision.