Officials reminded the community that the raising of water levels in the Croton River begins today.

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection will begin to draw down water levels in the New Croton Reservoir to allow for routine operational inspections of the New Croton Dam and spillway.

As DEP begins lowering the water level of the reservoir, there will be significant increases in the flow of water into the Croton River.

The release from the reservoir will increase from the current 5.5 million gallons a day (MGD) and may be as high as 405 MGD, significantly increasing the flow of the river and requiring additional cautions for recreational activities.

Members of the public should be extra cautious while the increased water is released into the river. Activities such as wade fishing and kayaking are discouraged, as the fluctuating flow in the river could make them unsafe.

Silver Lake Park, Mayo's Landing, Black Rock Park and Echo Canoe Launch were closed today as a precaution to assess any potential impacts from the significant increase in river flow.

The drawdown is expected to last until approximately Sept. 27.