1. Policies
  2. Council Policy 10-02 Water Pumping From Lake Ellsworth to Lake Lawtonka

Council Policy 10-02 Water Pumping From Lake Ellsworth to Lake Lawtonka

SUBJECT:Water Pumping From Lake Ellsworth to Lake Lawtonka

 

PURPOSE: To achieve maximum yields of water supply from Lake Lawtonka and Lake Ellsworth, yet, minimize the amount of pumping required to achieve this goal.

 

BACKGROUND: Water for treatment and consumption is withdrawn from Lake Lawtonka. Lake Ellsworth water is transferred (pumped) to Lake Lawtonka. Records of the Lakes’ levels indicate that a large rain can result in rises of three to six feet. Yields to the lake are maximized when levels are balanced to receive runoff from their water sheds.

 

POLICY/

PROCEDURES: Pumping will be suspended when the level of Lake Lawtonka is 5.55 feet or less (i.e. at or above elevation 1340.00 feet) below the top of its gates year round. Weather and watershed conditions will be considered when implementing pumping procedures.

 

The Public Works Director /City Engineer may use discretion in implementing this policy under the following conditions:

 

A. If the watershed is in a saturated condition whereby it could be fairly and reasonably assumed that additional rain would result in substantial runoff physically into Lake Lawtonka, then pumping may be reduced to a minimum in anticipation of favorable natural results.

 

B. Lake Ellsworth is at an elevation so low that further pumping will cause damage to the pumps (cavitation).

 

  1. Such times when the pumping of Lake Ellsworth is necessary to achieve optimum use of the City’s Vested Water Rights at both Lakes Lawtonka and Ellsworth.
  2. Such times when the area is experiencing Drought conditions in accordance with the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC).

The pumping that can be included under the required monthly minimum charge for electricity for the pumping station will be accomplished whenever the level of Lake Lawtonka is below the top of its gates.

 

REFERENCES: None.

 

RESCISSION AND

EFFECTIVE DATE: This policy supersedes Council Policy 10-2 dated June 24, 2008, and will remain in effect until rescinded. Effective date April 10, 2012.

 

RESPONSIBLE

DEPARTMENT: Public Works



 

___________________________

Fred L. Fitch.

Mayor

April 10, 2012

 

 Amended, 04/10/2012, 06/24/2008, Amended 01/27/1998