For the first time in more than six years, the Salt River Project is releasing water into the Salt River through the Valley. That has led to the closure of Tempe Town Lake after debris from the release flowed into the lake.

Town Lake Manager Craig Caggiano says he hopes the lake won’t be closed for long, but city officials may have to step up regular cleaning efforts.

“We are out on the lake surface at least once a week. As soon as the majority of the debris ... we feel that it’s starting to abate, we’ll get out there and start cleaning up whatever hasn’t been allowed to just go down river," Caggiano said.

The extra water is coming from Bartlett Lake, which was at capacity due to heavy snow and rainfall last week.

Tempe Town Lake will remain closed for boating, fishing and other water activities until the debris passes, but recreation in the surrounding area won’t be affected.