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City gets siphon operating at Elizabeth Lake
After several attempts by City of Cranbrook crews Thursday afternoon, the siphon at Elizabeth Lake across Wattsville Road is now operating and is moving water.
Crews successfully added two additional six inch siphon lines Friday afternoon (July 4). The siphons will continue to be monitored through the weekend to ensure that no flooding of properties downstream occurs.
The siphoning is a delicate operation and any movement of the lines could result in air getting into the siphon lines which will shut it down and water will stop moving. Drivers are asked to please respect the signage and barricades in place now on Wattsville Road. Please use an alternate route for the duration of the work.
Despite the clear signage and orange barricades around the siphon on Wattsville Road, vehicles have deliberately driven over the operating siphon line, damaging the pipe overnight Thursday. Luckily the siphon continued to operate.
Beginning early next week, a contractor will be installing a more permanent 12 inch pipe with a shutoff valve across Wattsville Road in order to move the water. Once this work is completed next week, Wattsville Road will be re-opened to traffic.
Meantime, Urban Systems continues to conduct a study of the Elizabeth Lake water issues and city downstream drainage issues. It is important for the study to be completed as quickly as possible in order to provide time to complete any construction options that may need to be carried out in 2014.
City of Cranbrook
