Water Over the Dam
Because we are obviously in the dams business, I was once again reminded of an old phrase, which we just don’t hear much of anymore and, if I recall, was a very common reply from my Mom for just about everything: “That’s water over the dam, honey!!!” So that got me laughing, as we are always up to our ears in this dam business!! Merriam-Webster’s definition of this expression is “something that is beyond recall (happens a lot now-a-days) or reconsideration”.
Another version of this old expression is, “Honey, that’s water under the bridge,” which Merriam-Webster “refers to events or situations that are in the past and consequently no longer to be regarded as important or as a source of concern.” I tried, “That’s water over the dam, honey” on my better half again this Monday which elicited her typical, “Are you feeling OK?” in addition to THAT look. Oh, for the good ole’ days when we could still get away with these old quips! I guess maybe I should spend more time on social media for some fresh fodder, but I just can’t!
Well, all of our pond water levels are continuing to drop due to just not having enough real rain. As I pen this week’s column, precipitation for the past ten days was a very meager 0.03″ with 1.08″ forecasted for the next ten days, if in fact we actually get it! The forecast has consisted of mostly typical summer afternoon thunderstorms, which, depending on exactly where you live, could mean a deluge or zip! So, I guess we should be thankful for this incredible weather, but our farmers, gardeners and lake levels are unfortunately feeling the brunt.
The water level at Great Pond’s Village dam has now dropped down to 0.48″ but still above full pond with the main gate obviously still closed — Thank you, Craig! Long Pond’s Wings Mill dam is, for the first time this season, below full pond at 0.48″ down with both gates still closed. (Those are not typos, both dams are 0.48!) Salmon/McGrath is, because of the mandated 1 cfs, 24/7 flow, pretty much still at full pond at just 0.12″ below full. Messalonskee Lake, a.k.a. Snow Pond, is 2.64″ also, below full pond. We are starting to pay the price for this beautiful Chamber of Commerce weather and clear water due to the lack of run-off!
If you have a particular questions regarding our dams or water levels, please email your inquiry to , and we will try to answer your question either in this column or via email.
Enjoy your family, your vacation, and this incredibly beautiful weather, and please stay safe!
Dick Greenan is chairman of the Belgrade Lakes Watershed Dams Committee. He submitted this report on July 15, 2026.
<— Previous Article • Summaries • Next Article —>
©2026 by Summertime in the Belgrades. All rights reserved.