With more rain expected this week, the rising waters of Lake Orion may cause problems with some lakefront owners.
Lake Orion DPW Director John Ranville told village council members at Monday night’s meeting that the village no longer has any control over the lake level due to the record amount of rain experienced in this area for several weeks.
Blocks in the dam area off M-24 can be taken out or put in to manage the amount of water flowing into Paint Creek.
Resident John Dhoel came to the council meeting and said he was worried about his property on Lookout Lane flooding. Ranville suggested he find some sandbags.
‘We’ve lost it. The lake will continue to rise,? he said. ‘We’re taking water in from all the way up to Goodrich.?
He estimated that water pouring over the dam is at least six inches high.
‘So far there hasn’t been any flooding on the lake, but there has been some on the creek (Paint Creek). Lots of debris in the creek is causing problems,? Ranville added.
Hauxwell Street was the only area in the village that was flooded this weekend. The street has a history of flooding in heavy rainstorms.
On Sunday morning, up to two feet of water covered the road in spots. Backyards and some basements were flooded. Standing water was also found at near-by Blanche Sims Elementary School.
Because a certified village truck driver wasn’t available, Orion Township DPW employees were called to assist. In attempting to unplug a clogged drain, they pulled out some roots, paper debris and even a garden hose.
By late Sunday afternoon, with the drains cleaned out, the standing water disappeared.
Council members agreed, because of ongoing problems, the street’s drains should be jetted and cleaned out once every year.