Lagoon Levels

Why do we adjust the lagoon levels seasonally?

Our primary reasons for seasonal adjustment of the lagoon water level are:

To provide adequate stormwater controls
To maximize recreation potential during weekends and holidays
To maximize water quality and clarity
To minimize detrimental bacteria growth
To minimize the nutrient concentrations in the lagoon
To minimize the cost of pump maintenance and operations
To comply with the operational requirements of the permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
To allow storm water to run off to prevent flooding
To help maintenance personnel clean over 1,000 storm catch basins throughout the City

Raising of Lagoon Level

During Mid-March, the City of Foster City, Department of Public Works, begins the annual Summer program of raising the level of the Foster City Lagoon. The water level will usually be maintained between 1 to 2 feet from the level of elevation 100, which is the design height of most lagoon bulkheads. The water level will generally be higher on weekends and holidays and lower during midweek. This is done to promote maximum water exchange in the lagoon. The level will be lowered, if needed, during rainy days or in anticipation of a major storm.

Lowering Level of Lagoon

Each year around mid-November the Department of Public Works begins its annual Winter Program, which maintains the Foster City Lagoon at a lower level of between 20.5 inches to 24 inches below the tops of the lagoon walls. This level will be lowered further, however, during heavy rains or in anticipation of major storms.

For more information contact:

PW Corporation Yard

100 Lincoln Center

Foster City, CA 94404

Phone: (650) 286-8140

Fax: (650) 349-7204

Email: PublicWorks@fostercity.org

Website: www.fostercity.org