GREENWOOD – The water level committee decided recently on a fall drawdown schedule for North, South and Round ponds.

Water lowering will take place from Oct. 15 to Nov. 1 next year, Town Manager Kim Sparks said. She said the town has already started the draw-down for this year and hopes to complete it this week.

Sparks said residents had complained about damage caused by high water levels and ice in the winter, as well as water levels that dropped too low.

“We’re hoping this fall draw-down will prevent that from happening again,” Sparks said.

The ponds’ water level is controlled by three batter boards on the Alder River Dam. Sparks said the boards are removed one at a time to lower the water levels.

She said the boards will be replaced in the spring to raise the water levels for the benefit of recreational activities on the ponds. She said public hearings will be held once a final plan is completed, and that one hearing may take place later to include more summer residents.

Sparks said a representative from the state Department of Environmental Protection will be in Greenwood this weekend to test the minimal flow of water going through the dam.