TULSA, Okla. — Due to ongoing drought concerns, the Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Kansas Water Office (KWO) have agreed to a temporary change (deviation) in the normal water elevation of five Kansas reservoirs.

The USACE will hold water levels one-half-foot to one-foot higher than the normal conservation elevation at the following reservoirs:

• El Dorado —  from 1339.0 feet to 1339.5 feet.
• Elk City — from 796.0 feet to 797.0 feet.
• Fall River — from 948.5 feet to 949.5 feet.
• Toronto — from 901.5 feet to 902.5 feet.

These elevations are in effect until September 15, 2014, as rainfall conditions allow.

"Recent drought years have shown the value in storing water when we can," said Earl Lewis, Kansas Water Office Assistant Director. "This announcement is good news and really highlights the ongoing cooperation we have with the Corps of Engineers in managing Kansas reservoirs to meet our citizens' needs."

In addition, due to ongoing drought concerns and the water supply needs of the Wolf Creek Nuclear Power facility, a two-foot deviation is in effect at John Redmond Reservoir raising the level from 1041.0 feet to 1043.0 feet until December 31, 2014 as rainfall conditions allow. 

The Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the temporary deviations for these reservoirs. 

State and federal agencies and respective stakeholders on the individual reservoirs coordinated the deviations.

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