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WATERTOWN, S.D. (AP) The South Dakota Water Management Board has decided to bar the Lake Poinsett (PAHN'-set) Water Project District Board from raising a flood gate near Castlewood that would allow overflow water from the Big Sioux River into the lake.

Current operation of the gate only allows water to flow from Lake Poinsett to the river.

Some landowners and others wanted to supplement natural runoff with Big Sioux water to keep the 16-foot-deep lake full and protect recreational opportunities and property values.

Others, however, wanted to protect the glacial lake from river water.

An engineer told the water management board that allowing river water would raise the level of phosphorus in the lake up to three times.

A Lake Poinsett board member says he's not sure if the board will appeal the decision to circuit court.

Information from: Watertown Public Opinion, http://www.thepublicopinion.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-26-09 1150CST | save this article / add to your favorites list