A Planned Drawdown Which Will Occur to the headpond of the West Buxton Hydroelectric Project.

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, BWPH began construction on the latest Saco River recreation site, the new West Buxton boat launch. While construction activity is currently underway, as you might expect, a drawdown of the impoundment will be necessary to complete installation of the in-water features of this new facility.

Current plans call for drawing down of the headpond starting on Monday, August 21, 2023, from a normal operating level of 178.1 feet to 172 feet (just more than six feet). Water levels are tentatively scheduled to begin their reduction on that day and continue through Monday, August 28, 2023, at which time a refill of the impoundment would begin. While our goal is to complete this construction activity during the above dates, the ability to meet this goal will depend on river flow and precipitation events.

It is possible that current water conditions on the Saco River continue unabated and force a postponement of the drawdown. Additionally, weather or other unplanned circumstances during the drawdown may cause an adjustment to this schedule without prior notice.

Please help get the word out to property owners and recreators in Buxton and Hollis.