Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will lower the reservoir upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Project beginning Monday, Dec. 17, 2012.

Every year at this time the headwater level is lowered in an effort to reduce the potential for flooding due to ice formation near County Road 17 at Six Span Bridge. The reservoir will be lowered about six inches per day for a total of two feet to 739.5 feet above sea level, which is the targeted operating level during winter months. Residents living near the reservoir may detect observable changes in water level. The headwater level will be returned to its normal operating level in early spring.

The drawdown is conducted in accordance with the Elkhart project’s operating license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Elkhart facility is one of six run-of-river hydroelectric plants owned by I&M on the St. Joseph River. The Elkhart hydroelectric facility generates 3.44 megawatts of electricity; the equivalent of serving 3,500 homes.