Water Levels at Hinckley Reservoir

HINCKLEY, N.Y. — Water levels at the Hinckley Reservoir are being managed at the lower end of the targeted range.

The New York State Power Authority currently controls the reservoir’s water levels, and Mohawk Valley Water Authority Executive Director Phil Tangorra explained that the dam is designed to be at lower levels at this time of year.

“We’re cautious but not concerned. We have a good relationship. We’re communicating with the Power Authority with the Canal Corporation. They may again reduce flows to maintain 1195. It’s not quite warming up as much as we anticipated,” Tangorra said.

The height of the water in the reservoir is measured in feet above sea level.

Tangorra said, “The top of the dam is 1225 feet above sea level. The minimum reservoir level is 1195.”

The Water Authority is constructing a new waterline from Hinckley Reservoir to the water treatment plant.

This new line will allow for lower water levels while still supplying drinking water.

The project is expected to be finished in the spring.

The release rate of water depends on the reservoir level, inflow and time of year.

“We know that we’re getting toward the end of winter. That reservoir will rebound. There’s plenty of snowpack in the watershed this year. So, we anticipate that in short term that will be full and in fact spilling,” Tangorra said.

“We are not concerned right now, but cautious,” Tangorra said.