Town officials restricted access while the water level was restored

By Theresa Knapp

In late July, Louisa Lake was closed for repairs after the water level became too low. The lake is a popular summer destination for swimming and cooling off during Milford’s hot summer months. 

The problem was an obstruction in the dam valve, explained Town Administrator Rick Villani. 

“The Louisa Lake Dam has a bypass system that allows the Town to drain the lake as needed for repairs or to prepare for a large storm event that is likely to cause significant flooding upstream of the Lake,” he said. “Flow through the bypass is controlled by a valve which is exercised regularly in accordance with Operation and Maintenance requirements. The last time the valve was exercised, a piece of wood got lodged in the gate preventing it from fully closing.”

Villani said, “It is perfectly normal for the water level to drop within the Lake and even for the water to stop flowing over the dam, particularly in dry periods; however, it is abnormal for it to drop below the top of the dam unless we intentionally lower the level.”

Villani thanked the people who notified town officials about the drop. He said Milford’s Town Engineer and Highway Surveyor, who are responsible for managing dams in Milford, were able to determine that water was getting through the bypass due to the obstruction. “The valve was exercised several times before the wood was dislodged and the valve was adequately closed.”

Villani said the water level was monitored to ensure it returned to, and remained at, normal levels. He also said monitoring of the water level after operation of the valve has been added to the Operation and Maintenance procedure, and officials will continue to investigate additional measures that can be implemented to prevent a future unintended event.