CORNELIUS, N.C. — With little relief for our dry conditions, Duke Energy says it is in stage two of its low inflow protocols.
That means the utility has stopped raising water levels on area lakes during the weekends.
This is bad news for boaters, and this comes on top of new restrictions from Mecklenburg County’s parks and facilities.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Burn ban to go into effect at Meck County parks and facilities ]
Sunday was a perfect day to come to Ramsey Creek Park, but we haven’t had enough perfect days when it comes to rain. On Monday, a burn ban in Mecklenburg County will go into effect.
One of the first things people noticed who visited Ramsey Creek Park Sunday was the low water levels.
“The lake levels were definitely, were higher the last time I was here,” said Randall Weber, who visited the park this weekend. “And I can see the rocks.”
They also noticed the lack of boats.
“We’re kind of in trouble right now and even with what little rain we have been getting, it’s not enough,” said Jordan Jones, a park visitor.
We saw numerous families grilling on Sunday.
Sikander Suleman was disappointed to learn about the burn ban that will take effect on Monday.
County officials say the use of charcoal grills, propane or gas grills, fire pits, campfires, bonfires, or open flames of any kind are off limits.
Suleman said his family is going to be greatly disappointed about the ban.
“My graduation is next weekend and we were supposed to have a great get-together,” Suleman said. “That’s over.”
While no on likes the ban, a lot of people understand it’s for the greater good.
“I’m a big fan of grilling at the park, at home, just like everybody else,” said Jones. “But at the end of the day, it is a matter of civic duty in making sure you don’t accidentally cause a much bigger problem.”
If you violate the burn ban, there is a $100 citation plus a court cost of $183. If you cause an out of control fire, you have to pay to put it out, which could cost a lot more than $283.