Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) will be drawing down Silver Lake on December 9^th. The drawdown is necessary to replace a hydraulic cylinder on the Silver Lake Dam. 

This drawdown has been coordinated with the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department and Minnesota DNR.

RPU’s drawdown plan is as follows:

• Friday, December 9^th start the drawdown.
• Monday, December 12^th lake level will be held at 969.0 MSL (~5.0 feet below normal summer pool) for 5 days.
• Saturday, December 17^th start to refill the lake level until it reaches normal elevation of 974.0 MSL.

The drawdown plan is subject to change depending on weather conditions.

RPU cautions the public from walking out into the exposed lake bed or ice. There could be unforeseen dangers associated with the freeze/thaw and possible muddy conditions.

About Rochester Public Utilities

As the municipal utility of Rochester, Minn., for more than 110 years, RPU provides high-quality and reliable electricity to over 56,000 customers.  Water customers number more than 40,000.  RPU continually investigates innovative technologies to help customers realize the best value from the services they receive.  Current initiatives include photovoltaic offerings, wind energy, energy and water efficient equipment, and electric vehicle charging.

###