CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Experts say if there is no meaningful rainfall soon, Hartwell Lake could fall below the only functioning intake for the Anderson water district by as early as next fall.
The Independent-Mail of Anderson reports that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that the current lake level is 639.58 above mean sea level. That is lower than the previous record low of 642.4 feet set during the drought of 1981.
Steve Wilson, manager of the Anderson Regional Joint Water System, said water cannot be taken from Hartwell Lake through the only remaining submerged intake pipe for the water system if water levels recede to 620 feet. At the current rate of water usage, Wilson said that could happen late next summer or early fall.
Officials wonder if current conservation measures will be enough.
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Information from: Anderson Independent-Mail, http://www.andersonsc.com
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