Falls Lake levels drop as drought restrictions linger
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Water levels at Falls Lake continue to decline amid ongoing drought conditions, even as conservation measures have reduced water use across Raleigh.
The Army Corps of Engineers reported the lake's water supply pool at 78%, down 2 percentage points from the previous week. The drop comes three weeks after the city enacted Level 1 water restrictions on April 20.
City officials say those restrictions, which limit outdoor irrigation systems to one day a week based on address, are having an effect. Raleigh reported a decrease of 6 million gallons per day in water usage last week.
"Just pray for rain. We just need it. And hopefully that'll turn around starting tomorrow," said Ed Buchan, Raleigh Water assistant director.
Even with some recent rainfall on Wednesday and in the past few days, officials say it has not been enough in the Falls Lake water basin to reverse the decline.
And despite the reduction in usage, lake levels have continued to fall, exposing more shoreline. Drone footage shows increasingly visible banks as drought conditions persist.
"We've just had this continuing drop the last few weeks because the rainfalls that we have received have just been kind of light, and not in the right area," Buchan said.
Those who went out to enjoy a day at the lake say the lower levels are noticeable. Willy Medina, who went fishing on his day off, says the lower water levels shocked him.
"It's amazing. It's just very low. You know, we need more rain," Medina said.
Fishing has become more difficult as the water recedes, pushing fish into deeper areas.
"Unless you have a boat, your chances of catching a fish, you go deeper in the lake. But a lot of guys like me like to shore fish. And it's been pretty rough," he said.
Medina also noted how dramatically conditions have shifted compared with last year.
"That bell thing was under the water pretty much right where that marker is. You could only see the top. All this was underwater last year," he said.
City officials say compliance with restrictions has been good overall, with some exceptions. Raleigh Water reports more than 102 complaints under review and at least 71 education letters sent to customers reminding them of the rules.
With summer approaching -- a time when water demand typically increases -- officials warn the restrictions may remain in place.
"My guess is that we will stay in this for quite a while, unless we start to get some really significant rainfall events. Hopefully, we'll start to get just enough to stabilize things and slowly refill the lake," Buchan said.
Raleigh relies primarily on Falls Lake for its water supply, with Lake Benson and Lake Wheeler serving as backup sources. Officials say current Level 1 restrictions could remain in effect into June as they monitor lake levels and rainfall.
