Valve Draining Lake Whetstone in Montgomery Village Accidentally Left Open
Lake Whetstone in Montgomery Village Avenue has been drained to perform maintenance, according to the Montgomery Village Foundation.
Update: FOX5 reported Wednesday evening that the valve that was draining the lake was accidentally left open over the Fourth of July weekend.
They are hoping that rain later this week will help restore water levels. The extent of damage done to the areas wildlife is still unclear.
Details below per Montgomery Village:
Lake Whetstone Dam Toe Drain Replacement
Modern earth embankment dams, like the Lake Whetstone Dam, are designed with internal drainage features, or toe drains. Toe drains collect normal water seepage passing through the dam. DEP’s routine maintenance inspection of Lake Whetstone discovered that the corrugated metal toe drain pipes are corroded and in need of replacement. New toe drain pipes will be installed that safely discharge seepage water to the pond outfall downstream.
The project construction will begin around June 2021 on the downstream side of the dam, just west of Montgomery Village Avenue. The project area is near Theater Pond and the amphitheater. During the approximately 6-month project duration, the Lake Whetstone water level will need to be lowered about 4 feet to safely construct the repair. The project is part of Montgomery County’s ongoing commitment to keep our stormwater facilities maintained safely and to protect our local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
On June 1, orange construction fencing was installed around the perimeter of the lake. The water level of the lake will be slowly lowered so the repairs can begin.
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