DNR Plans Lake Darling Drawdown This Fall

BRIGHTON, Iowa - The DNR plans to lower the water level in Lake Darling this fall to accommodate spillway inspections.

The lake drawdown will allow engineers from French-Reneker-Associates to thoroughly investigate the spillway and to conduct tests. The DNR expects the firm to lower the lake level sometime in October, depending on rainfall.

The engineering firm will draw down the lake to about two feet below the normal lake level. Anglers may still fish the lake along the shoreline.

"The drawdown is just part of our in-lake renovation work at Lake Darling," said Mike McGhee, DNR lakes and rivers project coordinator. "With the renovation and ongoing work in the watershed, visitors to Lake Darling will continue to enjoy improved water quality."