New Philadelphia, OH (October 20, 2025) — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has released its annual winter drawdown schedule, a critical part of the organization’s flood-control and maintenance operations.
While MWCD lakes attract millions of visitors each year for boating, fishing, camping and hiking, their primary purpose is to protect the Muskingum Watershed region from flooding.
Each winter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily lowers lake levels to provide additional flood storage capacity for snowmelt and spring rains. This process also allows MWCD staff to complete shoreline stabilization and other maintenance projects.
“Our engineering team works closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to coordinate drawdowns and project schedules,” said Dave Lautenschleger, chief of engineering. “The winter drawdown gives us valuable time to inspect and maintain infrastructure while lake levels are low. By addressing shoreline erosion and dredging in strategic locations, we’re ensuring the lakes remain safe, functional, and sustainable for years to come, while keeping communities downstream protected from potential flooding.”
The 2025-26 drawdown will begin in early November, with water levels expected to return to normal by February.
| Reservoir |
Normal Pool |
Winter Level |
Total Drawdown (feet) |
Begin 2025 Drawdown |
Release Duration (days) |
Suggested intermediate refill schedule by
March 15, 2026 |
| Atwood |
928.00 |
920.00 |
8.0 |
November 15 |
42 |
926.00 |
| Charles Mill |
997.00 |
992.00 |
5.0 |
November 1 |
35 |
995.00 |
| Clendening |
898.00 |
893.00 |
5.0 |
November 15 |
35 |
896.00 |
| Leesville |
963.00 |
958.00 |
5.0 |
November 1 |
35 |
961.00 |
| Piedmont |
913.00 |
905.00 |
8.0 |
November 1 |
42 |
911.00 |
| Pleasant Hill |
1020.00 |
1014.00 |
6.0 |
November 15 |
42 |
1018.00 |
| Seneca |
832.20 |
824.20 |
8.0 |
November 15 |
42 |
830.20 |
| Tappan |
899.30 |
894.30 |
5.0 |
November 15 |
35 |
897.30 |
Shoreline Projects Planned for Winter 2025-26:
MWCD will complete several projects during the drawdown period to enhance water quality, improve boating access and protect shoreline infrastructure:
- Atwood Lake: Excavation and dredging to remove about 975 cubic yards of sediment from the bay in the Atwood Pines Cottage Area at Elgin Drive.
- Charles Mill Lake: Shoreline stabilization along the roadway leading to the beach. Rock riprap will be placed on both sides of about 500 feet of roadway to prevent future erosion.
- Piedmont Lake: Excavation and dredging to remove about 12,750 cubic yards of sediment from Essex Cove, the bay between Hilltop Drive and Lake Ridge Road, and the bay near the Akron Boat Club. The work will improve water depth and navigation for boaters.
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $9 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy, garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD, and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Instagram.
