ALEXANDRIA BAY — Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River water levels are close to their upper limit.

"We are increasing outflows. The water levels are quite above the average and we will try to bring the lake down," said John W. Kangas, secretary of the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control.

He said the board has been releasing as much water as possible without causing the levels near Montreal to reach flood stage.

"We have succeeded to bring the water levels about 5 centimeters down over the last couple of weeks," he said.

While the rising water levels have got the Board of Control worried, local marina owners are excited over the prospect of a good season.

Randy R. Wright, co-owner of Wright's Marina, Morristown, said the water level in front of his marina is rising rapidly.

"As of this morning, waters were up another 4 to 5 inches compared to yesterday. This is the highest in many years. It's terrific," Mr. Wright said.

Mr. Wright said he hopes that the water levels stay high throughout the season.

"There are a couple of things in the boathouse that are below the water but it is not a big problem," he said. "At this point, it is too soon to say how our business will be this summer. If the water level stays high until at least Labor Day, that would definitely help our business."

According to Mr. Kangas, the water levels are likely to be higher than last year.

"We are already above the long-term average right now," Mr. Kangas said.

The level of Lake Ontario rose by 14 inches last month, 5.7 inches more than the average rise of 8.3 inches. The level of the lake is 247.05 feet, some 2 inches below the upper monthly average limit and 11.41 inches above the long-term average.

The water level at Alexandria Bay is well above average at 246.59 feet, 7.09 inches above average, and Ogdensburg is at 245.93 feet, 10.24 inches above average.

Nicholas R. Schaefer, motel and marina manager at the Ledges Resort Motel & Marina, Alexandria Bay, said that his business was hurt by low water levels last year and that he was glad to see higher levels.

"The high water level definitely benefits our business," he said. "Last year's record low caused problems for people using our docks."

Customers who call Mr. Schaefer are also relieved to hear that the water level in the river is higher.

"I speak with boaters on a regular basis and people are really pleased about the high water levels," he said.

While the businesses are getting excited over the high water levels along the lake, it might cause damage for property owners along the shoreline.

"We have floating docks and the rise of water did not harm us," said Luke T. Netto, a salesman at Clayton Marina Sales & Services, Inc. "If you have a fixed dock, however, the water might even flush it away."

There hasn't been any major property damage because of the higher water levels so far, Mr. Kangas said.

"We have received a couple of complaints from homeowners on the shores regarding the high water levels but there hasn't been any serious damage done to the properties as far as I know," Mr. Kangas said.