🏗️ Project Scope: What is Being Done?

According to official Town records, this restoration represents nearly a decade of planning and an investment of over $1 million. The project consists of three major components designed to extend the dam's life and improve water level management:

• Culvert Replacement: Replacing the culvert at Lakeside Oaks Drive, funded by FEMA.

• Erosion Protection: Installing a new rip-rap filter to protect the dam structure.

• Gate Box Repairs: Critical underwater repairs to ensure the dam's gate remains operable for years to come.

• Future Planning: Upon completion, the Town intends to update the professional drawdown plan to guide future dam operations.

​

📅 Dam Restoration Timeline: Chronological Updates

The SLA tracks this project and raises important community questions with the Town. Below is the real-time record of progress, based on site visits, visual documentation, and communication from the Barrington Department of Public Works.

• February 9, 2026: Tree cutting in the designated work zone began to clear utility line relocations.

• February 23, 2026: Lakeside Oaks tree cutting was successfully completed. Dam work officially started on this date.

• February 25, 2026: Heavy pumping is active at the dam. SLA members documented three high-powered pumps operational during a major blizzard:

  • Sucking water from the lake, the spillway, and the gate area to allow construction access.

• March 5, 2026: The SLA contacted Barrington Public Works regarding water levels. We raised a safety concern: we wanted confirmation that the current high-powered pumping wasn't creating dangerous "false ice" air pockets for late-winter lake users.

• March 6, 2026: Mike Nadeau (Director of Public Works) provided an update following a site meeting held between the Town, the Engineering Contractor, and the Contractor.

  • Note: The SLA did not attend this meeting but received the following summary.

  • Water Level: The drawdown rate was noted as "unacceptable," and pumping is now being closely monitored to strictly maintain the current level. They are not removing extra water at this time.

  • Timeline: Spillway work should be wrapped up in two weeks.

  • Road Work: Work on the Lakeside Oaks Causeway is expected to be completed by April 2, 2026.

• March 7, 2026: New Photo Updates:

  • A new telephone pole and power line have been moved; relocation of telephone cables to the new pole is the final utility step.

  • Lakeside Oaks causeway is now officially closed and being dug out.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the lake being drained lower than usual?

  • The Town confirmed on March 6th that they are only pumping enough to maintain the current level required for construction, not removing additional water.

• When will the causeway reopen?

  • The current target date for the completion of the road work is April 2, 2026.

• What about the air pockets under the ice?

  • The SLA specifically raised this with Public Works. The Town is monitoring the draw-down rate to ensure it remains within acceptable limits to mitigate safety risks.

 

🔗 External Resources

• Town of Barrington Public Works Department

• [Official Swains Lake Dam Project Update (PDF)] (Town of Barrington)

 

⚓ Support Your Lake Community

Keeping this resource updated and maintaining a line of communication with the Town requires dedicated time and resources. If you value having an independent advocate looking out for the lake's interests, please consider supporting us.

Get involved today:

• Become a Member: Your $25 annual dues fund our ability to report on these issues.

• Donate: Contributions go directly toward lake health and community outreach.