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Committee hears explanation of low reservoir levels; city lowered reservoirs for ODNR work and a stuck valve deepened drawdown
Summary
Staff told the Parks and Rec Committee that reservoirs were intentionally lowered for an ODNR hazard mitigation project and that an operational problem (a stuck valve) caused a deeper drawdown; natural rainfall is expected to refill the reservoirs, and staff discussed historic pumping options and temporary signage to clarify reservoir access.
Sunbury City staff told the Parks and Recreation Committee April 2 that the reservoir levels remain low because the city lowered the water to accommodate hazard‑mitigation work required by ODNR and to install new pumps and drains; staff also said a valve became stuck during the drawdown and caused the level to drop further than planned.
A staff member explained the project history: the reservoirs were lowered to allow contractors to cut a notch in the concrete and to replace piping and pumping infrastructure under an ODNR hazard mitigation program. “It was lowered to be able to do that,” the staff member said. When the valves were opened to release water, the valve “got stuck,” and the reservoirs continued to drain until staff were able to secure the drain.
Staff told the committee the reservoirs are secure and that the expected recovery will depend on natural rainfall. “It should be filling itself up naturally at this point,” a staff member said, adding the process would be gradual after evaporation and a dry season. Committee members asked whether the city could pump creek water into the reservoirs; staff said the pump system is not currently functional after the city sold its water plant to Delco and that reactivating pumping would require investigation and investment. Staff noted historic instances when crews or local agencies temporarily pumped water from the creek for training or emergency response but said the city has not undertaken a systematic restart of those systems.
Committee members also raised public confusion about access where a locked gate had led residents to believe the reservoir was closed. The committee asked staff to consider a temporary directional sign clarifying the entrance and parking for reservoir access until permanent signage is added.
No formal policy action was taken at the meeting; staff committed to monitor levels and share updates with the public as conditions change.
