Nov 28, 2012: Clear Water

The low water in the lakes reveals a sand and rocky bottom that is not seen normally when the water is higher and the shore rises to the level of the rip rap. 11/20/12 (Kevin Kane)

Nov 21, 2012: Temporary Art

Rock sculpture created from rip rap stones that are now on dry land, east side of north lake, 11/20/12.  (Kevin Kane)

Nov 18, 2012: Indian Summer

A beautiful day for a walk around the lake and the inlet southwest of the bluff on the south lake shows how low water levels are, 11/20/12.  (Kevin Kane)

Nov 13, 2012: The Drought Continues...

Though the growing season is over, evidence of the continuing drought is especially evident at AHHP where the water level is several feet below where riprap was placed for erosion control.  The photo shows the shoreline near the southwestern inlet of the south lake, 11/3/12. (Kevin Kane)

Oct 23, 2012: Mussels

Mussels by the scores have been revealed along the shoreline as water has been pumped out of the lake over the last month.  This photo was taken in the southwest corner of the south lake where a shallow portion of the lake is now dry land, 10/21/12 (Kevin Kane)

Sep 5, 2012: Lower Water Level

Kayaker floats southward on east shore of south lake, 9/1/12 (Kevin Kane)

Since the city has been pumping water from the lake to the Skunk River to recharge the Ames aquifer, there has been a noticeable change in the water level of the lakes as more and more shoreline is revealed.

Aug 21, 2012: Pumping Resumes at Ada Hayden Lake

The pumping system at Ada Hayden Heritage Park, 7/27/12 (Kevin Kane)

Pumping Resumes at Ada Hayden Lake

Posted Date: 8/21/2012 12:00 PM

Ames, Iowa – The Ames Water Plant resumed its pumping water from the lake at Ada Hayden Heritage Park into the South Skunk River Channel today as part of its ongoing drought management plan. Although central Iowa and the Ames watershed have received rainfall recently, precipitation is far below normal and drought conditions persist.

The Ames Water Treatment Plant uses wells to draw water from the Ames Aquifer. Pumping water into the South Skunk River plays an important role in recharging the aquifer. By maintaining a pool of water above the low head dam in North River Valley Park, the groundwater level in the underground well field increases, said John Dunn, Director of Water and Pollution Control.

The City of Ames has not implemented any mandatory restrictions on the use of treated drinking water, but strongly encourages conservation be practiced by all residents.


“Our message is that we want customers to make smart use of water, especially for outdoor irrigation,” Dunn says. “For example, healthy lawns need just one inch of water a week. Watering more frequently or allowing water to run off sidewalks or driveways is wasting water.”

# # #

http://www.cityofames.org/index.aspx?page=43&recordid=863&returnURL=%2Findex.aspx

 

Aug 11, 2012: Photo of the Day: Seedling

Even in the warmest and driest of summers, this Cottonwood seedling has found enough moisture in the crack of a riprap boulder to get a start -- east shore of the north lake, 8/2/12 (Kevin Kane)

July 27, 2012: Recharging Ames' Groundwater Aquifer

Pump in place near the lake outlet structure in the southeast corner of the park, 7/29/12 (Kevin Kane)

On Friday, Ames officials announced that they would begin pumping water from the lake in Ada Hayden Heritage Park into the Skunk River to recharge the city's groundwater aquifer.  The prospect of this kind of drought was of primary importance for the acquisition of the old quarry for a backup water supply for the city.  This is the first time since the acquisition of the quarry for the park that pumping has been needed to supply water for aquifer recharging.

See the video from KCCI TV here.

June 13, 2012: Iowa Drought Shows in AHHP

Reminder! Mammals Interpretive Walk with Jim Pease

Thursday, June 14 at 5:30

Meet at North Shelter

 West-central wetland begins to show signs of drought conditions.  This area was teeming with wildlife just 3 weeks ago before a beaver dam was removed, 6/7/12 (Kevin Kane)

See Des Moines Register story on the drought:
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2012/06/14/southern-iowa-added-to-drought-status/