Reston Association is lowering the water levels of its lakes, starting today (Monday).
Dam repair and inspection firm Bander Smith will perform annual spillway inspections at Newport, Thoreau and Audubon lakes, requiring them to be drained by up to 8 inches. Lake Anne will be drained by 2 feet to also allow for minor concrete repairs to its riser tower.
The annual inspections cover the riser towers and outfalls for the lakes. According to RA, the lakes will naturally refill as rain and streams bring water from their associated watershed.
“We are advising all boat owners on all the lakes to loosen their moorings in order to prevent damage to their boats to account for the lower lake levels,” RA water specialist Calvin Dickens said in a Reston Today video.
According to Dickens, the spillways are designed to keep the manmade lakes at constant levels throughout the year.
The inspections are necessary to satisfy insurance compliance requirements and to ensure the dams and spillways are safe with no threat of flooding or another disaster, Dickens said. Residents can expect people out at the lakes with scuba diving equipment to examine all sides of the spillways.
“There are no additional restrictions on boating, kayaking or fishing,” Dickens said. “We hope you continue to enjoy our lakes and natural areas.
