The state Department of Environmental Services says it will begin the annual drawdown of lakes and ponds throughout the state next week.
Most of the drawdowns will happen in October but the Mendums Pond reduction will begin Sept. 9 to allow for needed dam repairs. Some lake depths won't be lowered until November.
Lake drawdowns are done each fall to reduce winter ice damage to shoreline properties and to reduce spring flooding. Drawdowns also give property owners an opportunity to conduct any necessary repairs to waterfront property.
Generally, lake levels are allowed to return to the normal full pond level in the spring.
