1 Billion Gallons of Water Being Drained from Willow Creek Lake

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Officials are draining a lake that's a backup water source for the city of Aberdeen so that workers can repair ruptured lines.

City Manager Lynn Lander tells the Associated Press that Willow Creek Lake east of Leola holds about a billion gallons of water. The draining into the Elm River began last fall and is expected to wrap up this fall.

It isn't the first time lines have ruptured. Ten years ago a diver fixed them as best as he could.

Once repairs are made this time, the lake will be refilled through natural drainage. If needed, the city also can pump water from the Elm River into the lake.

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