Water levels drop more than previous years at Lake McIntosh

NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF LONGMONT
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Water levels in Lake McIntosh Reservoir are beginning to drop as water is released for irrigation needs. The privately owned reservoir serves as a storage facility for both local farmers and the City of Longmont. This drop in water level occurs each year as water is used for irrigation purposes. It may be more evident during this year's hot and dry summer.

When full, the reservoir’s water depth is 13 feet with a volume of 2,460 acre-feet (AF). With high temperatures and little rain this summer, natural evaporation is also occurring, further lowering the reservoir level. By the end of August, the reservoir is projected to be at water depth of 9.4 feet and volume of approximately 1,500 AF. This will result in significant shoreline exposure along the reservoir, a normal occurrence for irrigation reservoirs.

Those using any facilities at the reservoir for recreational use are encouraged to be aware of the decreasing water depth.

Lake McIntosh is located in Dawson Park at 1757 Harvard St. The City owns and operates Dawson Park, Flanders Park and the Lake McIntosh Open Space around Lake McIntosh Reservoir. Additionally, the City leases recreational rights to the reservoir from Lake McIntosh Reservoir Company, which allows for recreation on the surface of the reservoir. As a reminder, swimming is not allowed at Lake McIntosh.

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