By Jim Newell
Lake Orion Review Editor
LAKE ORION — Every five years the Village of Lake Orion has a drawdown at the end of the boating season on Lake Orion, lowering the water levels so that residents can make repairs to docks and seawalls.
But the village has not sent out any notifications of the possible drawdown yet, leaving many residents wondering if it will happen this year.
Though a drawdown was initially planned for 2022, village council President Ken Van Portfliet on Monday said the drawdown is still under review with the new interim village manager, D. Wayne O’Neal – for now.
“We’re stepping back and looking where we’re at currently. And, it was my understanding that there are two pieces of information we’re looking to obtain. One (is) if from the DEQ (Dept. of Environmental Quality),” Van Portfliet said.
Van Portfliet cited already low lake levels and lack of rain. “We’re in a drought,” he said.
The drawdown usually begins in September, with the lake being lowered about an inch per day until mid-November when the blocks on the Paint Creek dam are turned and refilling the lake to the normal winter watermark begins.
The five-year drawdown should not be confused with the annual lake drawdown, in which the lake level is lowered about one foot to reach the normal low watermark for the winter season, according to previous drawdown notices from the village.
The annual drawdown is also intendent to help residents with safe removal of watercraft, the notice stated.
The village is expected to make a determination in the next few weeks and notify residents.