Does Your Lake Look Lower?

County Drain Commissioner weighs in on lake levels

During this long hot dry spell all the lakes in the county are lower than normal, some more than others depending on how they are fed. I am in charge of seven court ordered lake levels. Six of those have small dams and one we pump water into from a well. 
Three of the six lake levels are adjusted for a winter and summer level in April and November. All of these structures are inspected by engineers every 3 years and are in good working condition. The structures were engineered to keep the level at the prescribed height during normal conditions.
If we have unusually wet periods I can let extra water out to maintain the proper height, however in drought type conditions I have no way to help keep them correct. Only the good Lord can provide the moisture needed. In hot sunny weather lakes evaporate 1/4 inch a day and if extremely hot and dry can be higher.

Dale Twing
Newaygo County Drain Commissioner

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