For central Washington County and the VBWD, the past decade has been the wettest on record since 1891. These historically wet conditions resulted in high groundwater conditions and record high water levels on many of the landlocked basins in the VBWD. In 2020, the VBWD and Washington County performed emergency pumping at several landlocked basins (Downs Lake and Eden Park Pond, Legion Pond, Goose Lake, Reid Park Ponds, Friedrich’s Pond, Rose Lake) in the VBWD to protect homes, roadways, and sewage systems. The VBWD also heard concerns from residents about high water levels and flooding at landlocked Klawitter Pond, Cloverdale Lake, McDonald Lake, and Sunfish Lake.

Decisions made during flood emergencies might not be the wisest. The VBWD also recognized that reactive, emergency pumping is not a sustainable or cost-effective way of managing high water conditions on these basins. Further study is needed to identify alternatives to manage high water levels.

As a result, the VBWD partnered with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) through the Planning Assistance to the States Program (PAS) to complete a comprehensive planning study to determine how to manage high-water conditions on several landlocked basins in the VBWD.

Project goals include:

• Studying high-water/flooding conditions
• Developing and evaluating water level management alternatives
• Determining water quantity and water quality impacts of the proposed alternatives on downstream receiving waters
• Recommending a water management approach for each basin

Many stakeholders and agencies are involved throughout the study process to help inform and guide the study.

Public Input

Come learn more about the Valley Branch Watershed District Landlocked Basin Flood Mitigation Comprehensive Study related to flooding in your neighborhood! Stop by the Open House (information below) to find out more about the study or learn more and provide input online.

Also, watch for a second public engagement opportunity later this summer!