What’s next at Deegan Lake?

While water levels have risen due to the heavy precipitation this winter, city officials know there is a problem that simply cannot be ignored. Because of that, earlier this month the City of Bridgeport signed a contract for a Deegan Lake site study to identify the problem and solutions to the problem of water levels at the lake dropping significantly.

Terracon Consultants, Inc., will do the study. The cost of the work is a total of $82,500.

“The study is commissioned, and we are expecting results from Terracon in April or May, but as always, there are variables that could change that,” said Bridgeport City Manager Patrick Ford recently. “That, however, is the time frame we are looking at.”

Ford, and other members of City Council, have pointed to the need to get a handle on an issue that has been around for decades. However, the leak that was identified at least as far back as the 1970s has never been too much of an issue due to the general trend of average or even above average precipitation that kept the lake full. This past year’s drought dropped the lake to the lowest levels long-term residents said has been seen, and the possibility of the leak issue being exasperated is also not being ruled out.

“I don’t want any preconceived notions as to how thing may or may not be when they do their study. They are aware of that and will point us in the right direction,” said Ford.

Ford said assuring the dam is up to standard for recreation, as well as for the natural beauty it supplies, is critical.

“This is an iconic destination in Bridgeport. It resonates with the community, and has for generations,” said Ford. “When you get into a conversation about Bridgeport, you talk about the schools, the quality of life, the good people, the athletics, and the recreation. You get into recreation and Deegan Lake is at the top of the list because it is a part of our city’s culture.”

Ford said whatever solution is determined to make the fix will not have corners cut. He said there are emergency funds available even though the cost of the project could range anywhere from five to seven figures.

“Bridgeport has always prepared for situations like this in all spaces from water and sewage to police and fire and even recreation,” said Ford. “It’s a benefit of living and working here and a direct result of ongoing strong leadership that has been in place for years.”

Ideally, Ford and the city would like to see a cheap and effective alternative to make a fix. It would also be positive if it could be done quickly. That, however, will not be known for months.

“We don’t know if it’s going to be a big or small fix, but we know we have to find a way to fix it,” said Ford. “We know how very qualified people in place to tell us how to fix it.”