How does the Regulating District operate the reservoirs?

To fulfill its mission and formulate the complex process of the Regulating District’s water management policy, the Regulating District operates two reservoirs in the Hudson River Area (Great Sacandaga Lake and Indian Lake) and three reservoirs in the Black River Area (Stillwater Reservoir, First Lake at Old Forge and Sixth Lake).

Conklingville Dam and the Great Sacandaga Lake

Conklingville Dam and the Great Sacandaga Lake

The Regulating District relies on precise, real-time information about reservoir levels and flow rates in the rivers and streams of these watersheds. In fact the Regulating District engineers, field staff and meteorological observers use automatic chart and digital recorders and other remote sensory equipment to carefully monitor numerous operation stations and to measure stream flows, temperatures, and precipitation, reservoir and ground water levels, and the water content of snow. After collecting and analyzing this information the Chief Engineer determines the appropriate operation of the reservoirs.