(STURGIS) – The City of Sturgis will begin a project on their hydroelectric system next week.

City officials say that starting on Monday, September 11, they will start a drawdown of the reservoir area upstream of the dam and hydroelectric plant, which is just north of Centreville along the St. Joseph River.

The drawdown is expected to impact the river by lowering water levels in the area from the dam upstream to Mendon. Water levels may be expected to rise downstream as far as Three Rivers.

The drawdown is necessary to perform needed repairs to the Langley Covered Bridge. Work is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of September 11.

The reservoir will be drawn down three feet over the course of several days, with a maximum drawdown rate of six inches per day. Individuals with boats or other watercraft docked on the river should make necessary arrangements to move or secure these craft as the drawdown is expected to significantly lower the water level upstream of the dam.

In order to protect hibernating wildlife along the reservoir’s shoreline and because the construction activities will not be complete prior to October 15, 2023, the area, per Michigan Department of Natural Resources requirements, will remain in its lowered state until April 30, 2024.

The process of returning the reservoir to its normal level is expected to start May 1, 2024. As part of this process, it will be maintained at a level two feet below the normal level for a period of 30 days. After 30 days, the impoundment level will slowly be brought back to the normal operating level.

If you have any questions regarding the drawdown, please contact Garrett Myland at 269-467-6393 extension 70 or Chris McArthur at 269-659-7298.