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CWLP Seeking $140,000 for Dam Repairs
The capital city continues to deal with the severe impacts of this summer's drought.
Despite recent rain, the level of Lake Springfield is the lowest it's been all year.
CWLP officials can pump water from another source into the lake.
The pumping station and movable dam on the South Fork of the Sangamon River were built during the drought of the 1950s.
Hydraulic cylinders raise a gate, letting water flow into a system of pipes.
"When we have water available in the south fork of the Sangamon River, we can pump this water that's backed up into this dam on the south fork into Lake Springfield," CWLP Water Division Manager Tom Skelly said.
The pipes run into Lake Springfield, filling the pool when the level is low. The utility has pumped about six feet of water into the lake this year.
CWLP leaders hope to channel more when the water level rises in the river.
"It has to rain in the south fork watershed in order for this to be successful," Skelly said. "It has to rain near Lake Taylorville, Lake Sangchris, toward Shelbyville and those areas for water to drain into the south fork so we can pump it."
The utility is asking City Council for permission to spend $140,000 to replace pipes, cylinders and controls at the Channel Dam.
It's work that hasn't been done since the 1950s.
Aldermen are expected to vote on the contract next week.
If funding is approved, work might not start until next year and will probably take about one month to complete.
