CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The brutally hot conditions across the Charlotte region this summer is causing concerns for water management agencies.
On Monday, the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group announced that the river basin is in a Stage Zero drought.
That designation allows members to monitor levels more closely.
Low water levels in Lake James and Lake Hickory are low because of infrequent rain and increased evaporation.
“There are no required actions by the community at this stage, but water and energy conservation are always encouraged, especially with high temperatures and dry conditions expected through the summer,” said Ed Bruce, P.E., Duke Energy, CW-DMAG coordinator. “We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed as part of our responsibilities of our new license for the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project.”
Water storage in the 11-reservoir Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project is slightly below target levels because of infrequent rainfall this spring and increased reservoir evaporation.
The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group will keep monitoring the drought conditions and work together to protect the water supply and other uses of the Catawba-Wateree River.
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