The Environment Agency and festival organisers made the decision in light of the heavy rain predicted for tomorrow, the first day of the festival.
"This cannot prevent the site flooding, but it does lower the risk following heavy rainfall that the site will flood by helping to increase the drainage," said a statement from the Environment Agency.
The lowering is achieved by opening weirs downstream of the site to allow more water through.
Officials will continue to monitor river levels and rainfall and take additional measures if necessary over the weekend.
This year’s Reading Festival, which takes place in Little John's Farm on Richfield Avenue, has sold out this year. Muse, My Chemical Romance, The Strokes and Pulp are all set to headline.
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