Carolinas Drought Information

Persistent drought conditions continue in both Carolinas. The Catawba-Wateree River basin is a vital resource in the region, providing water for drinking, sanitation, recreation, power generation, business uses and aquatic habitat. As the drought continues, energy and water conservation become even more important.

Toward that goal, Duke Energy has created this section of our Web site to serve as a central source of information. Included are things you can do to reduce your impact on the region's water resource.

Aug. 13, 2008

The Catawba-Wateree basin continues in a persistent exceptional/extreme drought. Rainfall amounts in July were near long-term average levels, however, for the year there is still more than an eight inch deficit, according to Duke Energy gauges. Stream flows are still at or near record low levels and ground water levels continue to decline. The storage index (the amount of water stored in the 11 lakes up and down the river) declined by about seven percent over the past 30 days.

The forecast for the rest of August and September remains optimistic with near average rainfall predicted. The tropics are expected to be active as we get further into the hurricane season. Conservation efforts in the region continue to support lake levels.

Mandatory water restrictions remain in place and only one day a week lawn irrigation is allowed. Duke Energy, consistent with the Drought ManagementAdvisory Group recommendation, continues to support the use of lake pumps for lawn irrigation on Saturdays only.

Please continue to follow local mandatory water restrictions for your community. Individual and business efforts, along with Duke Energy's restricted hydro operations, are making a difference.

For additional information, contact Duke Energy's lake services at 1-800-443-5193.