I&M will begin the annual process of lowering the water level upstream of the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant on the St. Joseph River to its winter level. The reservoir level at the hydroelectric plant will be lowered from 741.5 feet above sea level to 739.5 feet to prevent ice buildup during the winter season.

The process will start next Monday, Dec. 9 at the generating facility located on Johnson Street near downtown Elkhart. The reservoir level will decrease six inches at a time over a two-week period, allowing I&M to gather data and ensure the dam is operating as intended.

“Indiana Michigan Power encourages those who live along the St. Joseph River, especially residents within eight miles upstream of the Elkhart facility, to take note of the changing water level starting December 9,” said Richard Walag, I&M’s Hydroelectric Maintenance supervisor. “While the reservoir is at its lower elevation, residents may wish to remove boats or perform work and cleanup activities along the riverbank.”

The drawdown at the Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant is in accordance with the operating license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The Elkhart Hydroelectric Facility has been in operation since 1913 and has a capacity of 3.44 megawatts -- the equivalent of powering 3,500 homes annually. The facility is one of six run-of-river hydroelectric plants on the St. Joseph River I&M owns and operates. “Run-of-river” means all water goes through the generation equipment inside the hydroelectric facility and the water is then returned to the river.

Combined, I&M’s six hydroelectric facilities generate more than 22 megawatts of electricity – enough to power 15,000 homes a year.