Along the St. Joseph River in both Indiana and Michigan, I&M’s six hydroelectric facilities offer customers clean energy produced right in their communities. The hydroelectric plants also offer recreational opportunities like fishing and boating.

Before you take advantage of what the river has to offer, there are important safety measures you need to know.

• Do not enter danger zones or areas designated as private either upstream or downstream of the plant.
• Follow all fences, booms, buoys and barriers which are in place to protect the public.
• Stay away from the edge of the water and any hydroelectric plant as surfaces may be slippery and you could fall into the river.
• Do not swim, fish or boat near rapidly moving water or near any hydroelectric facility. You could be swiftly pushed into the danger zone.
• Do not picnic or sunbathe near a hydroelectric facility.

Water flow conditions above or below a hydroelectric facility can rapidly change. Above the facility, water can drag someone in and pull them under the water where they can’t escape. Below the facility, air stuck in the water could reduce your ability to float – even if you’re wearing a lifejacket.

I&M owns and operates six run-of-river hydroelectric generating stations along the St. Joseph River located in:

• Berrien Springs, MI
• Buchanan (MI)
• Constantine (MI)
• Mottville (MI)
• Elkhart (IN)
• Twin Branch (Mishawaka, IN)

I&M’s hydroelectric facilities are not designed as storage or flood-control facilities. All six are operated “run-of-river,” meaning all water goes through the generation equipment and then is passed down the river.