June 2, 2023

In finalizing the Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) anticipates drawing down the Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs by 30 percent leading into the planned 8-month shutdown of the Delaware Aqueduct starting this October. The planned draw down contemplates the lowering of the reservoirs through a combination of diversions and releases starting this month. While it remains DEP’s intention to lower storage levels in those reservoirs by 30 percent ahead of the shutdown, larger than standard Flexible Flow Management Program (FFMP) releases may not be necessary to achieve that goal since reservoir inflow has dropped and we expect River Master directed releases to increase as the dry and warm weather is forecasted to continue.

Pursuant to the FFMP, on June 1 releases from the Neversink were increased from 100 cubic feet per second (CFS) to 115 CFS, the Pepacton from 140 CFS to 150 CFS, and the Cannonsville from 450 CFS to 500 CFS.

DEP determines actual release rates based on forecasts of inflow, diversions and storage conditions and any assertions of a specific release rate on a specific future date from an outside entity should not be relied on. DEP will continue operations pursuant to the FFMP and will continue to update the community as conditions warrant leading into the planned shutdown. Planned release rate changes from Cannonsville Reservoir are recorded daily by DEP and are available at 866-463-4081. The release recording number is provided by the Friends of the Upper Delaware River and the Al Hazzard Trout Unlimited Chapter.

For more information, visit: Delaware Aqueduct Shutdown Upstate Impacts.