Low Lake Level Information

Posted: June 5, 2013

We are receiving many calls and emails regarding the low water level in Lake Lillinonah this week.

We have been informed by FirstLight Power Resources, the owner / operator of the lake and its hydro-electric power generation facilities, that they are required to lower the lake when water flow in the Housatonic reaches, or is expected to reach based on weather forecasts, a level that would cause flooding in New Milford if the lake were not lowered.  It is also our understanding that they also need to lower the lake far enough in advance in order to prevent flooding in Lake Zoar, because water flows out of Lake Zoar more slowly than water coming in from opening the Shepaug Dam (on Lillinonah).

Please note that FirstLight has highly advanced weather monitoring systems, and many years of experience judging such circumstances.  Please keep in mind that the entire watershed for the Housatonic River must be monitored, not just the weather in our area.  FirstLight Power does not ‘make money’ from keeping the lake low; it is lost revenue to them.  They are complying with the terms of their operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The Lake Lillinonah Authority and Friends of the Lake have requested that they keep these drawdowns to a minimum, and to give everyone notice as far in advance as possible.  We understand that last night’s call was late, and the notice was short, and we have informed them of your frustration.

If you are not receiving ‘lake alert’ phone calls that announce changing water levels in Lake Lillinonah, and wish to, you can sign up by visiting the Lake Lillinonah Authority website, or by clicking on this link: 

http://www.lakelillinonahauthority.org/Lake-AlertForm.html

If you wish to call FirstLight Power to find out the current water level, you can call 888-417-4837; Menu Item 2, then 2 again.

Thank you,
Your Executive Team