We have received many questions as to why the water under the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is so low. Here is a statement from Mayor Sherbin Collette of Henderson.

HENDERSON DRAWDOWN

From Henderson Mayor Sherbin Collette

Wildlife and Fisheries is the deciding agency for drawing down Henderson Lake.

Water levels in Henderson Lake are being lowered for the yearly drawdown to a level of six (6) feet.  The reason for the drawdown is to control water hyacinth, hydrilla, and giant salvinia which is bad for the future of the lake.  In many areas of the state, drawdowns are very successful.  The drawdown began August 2nd and, if possible, will continue until November 1st.   The drawdown can only happen when river levels allow it.  We have dodged storms this year to allow this to happen.

          Keeping water levels as low as we can during hurricane season in Henderson Lake helps in preventing flooding in many places.  Working together with St. Landry, Lafayette, and Iberia parishes we have proven lowering water levels prior to storms heading our way has proven successful in the past.  As soon as we hear of a storm heading to the Gulf of Mexico we start our conference calls.  It is very important to prepare early as this has proven in the past to be very helpful.  A yearly drawdown in the lake has proven helpful in many ways.