The water drawdown of Little Rock Lake will kick off tomorrow (today).

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office says that the goal is to lower the water levels on the lake and the Mississippi River by three to five feet, with hopes of getting it done in about 36 hours.

During the drawdown, both Stearns and Benton County Sheriffs are requesting a no wake zone on the two bodies of water. The no wake zone helps ensure the stabilization of shorelines and prevent damage to plants in newly exposed areas. This also helps prevent any man-made erosion of the shoreline and will help improve water quality.

Signs will be posted at numerous locations reminding boaters and watercraft operators of the requested no wake restrictions. It is illegal to operate an ATV or other motor vehicles in the area that was originally below the high water level.

The drawdown is scheduled to last until September 15^th. If all goes as planned, the water levels should be back to normal shortly after.