Bureau of Reclamation News: Senator Wash Reservoir Water Levels Will Return to Normal Ahead of Schedule

Lower Colorado Region
Boulder City, Nev.

Media Contact:

Jack Simes
928-343-8334

Released On: October 01, 2004

Senator Wash Reservoir Water Levels Will Return to Normal Ahead of Schedule

The re-filling of Senator Wash Reservoir will begin on Saturday, October 2 - a week earlier than anticipated - and reservoir operations are expected to be back to normal by Tuesday, October 5, according to Yuma Area Office manager Jim Cherry.

The reservoir was lowered approximately 20 feet in September so a berm could be constructed to control seepage through the dam's foundation.

Construction of the berm is about a week ahead of schedule, allowing Reclamation to re-fill the reservoir sooner than anticipated.

Senator Wash Dam and Reservoir, located 18 miles northeast of Yuma, Ariz., on the California side of the Colorado River, two miles upstream from Imperial Dam, serves as a re-regulating reservoir for operation of the lower Colorado River.

The dam has been under operating restrictions since 1992 because of seepage through its foundation. The berm will restore the reservoir's storage capacity, increasing its ability to conserve Colorado River water and enhancing its recreational value.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.