February 12, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANGAMON RIVER WATER LEVEL CHANGE ANTICIPATED
DECATUR - The City of Decatur urges anyone who might be affected by sudden changes to the water level on the Sangamon River to use extreme caution on and around the river in the coming days.
The Sangamon River downstream of the Lake Decatur dam is expected to rise rapidly by approximately three feet during the next 48 hours and is anticipated to overflow its banks. This change will likely be accompanied by a significant increase in the river’s current and is expected due to melted snow, above average rainfall for this time of year and frozen ground all of which can contribute to flood conditions.
The purpose of this announcement is to notify those who might be affected by sudden water level changes, including boaters, fishermen, dock owners, other recreational users and adjacent land owners. The City cannot predict all changes to river levels, nor can we estimate with precision the magnitude of such changes. Users of the Sangamon River should therefore be alert at all times to the dangers of rapid and/or significant changes in water levels, and take appropriate precautions.
The City of Decatur’s Department of Water Management indicates that the current Lake Decatur water level is 613 feet above mean sea level. For further information please call Steve Leach, Water Production Maintenance Supervisor, at 424-2830; or Keith Alexander, Director of Water Management at 424-2863.