Water level to be lowered in Midlands lake for more than a year, Duke Energy says
Duke Energy announced plans to lower the water level in one of the largest lakes in the Midlands as part of a construction project.
A drawdown will be performed on Lake Wateree to make modifications to Wateree Dam, Duke Energy officials said Thursday in a news release.
Water levels will drop from 6-7 feet during the project, which is scheduled to begin in November, according to the release.
Once the project begins, Duke Energy officials said the water level is expected to stay at a reduced level for about 14-16 months, but the “exact construction schedule is still being developed.”
The work at the Wateree Dam will provide an additional 75,000 gallons per second of controlled flow release capacity from Lake Wateree, according to the release.
Lowering the water level in the lake that is in portions of Kershaw, Fairfield and Lancaster counties is significant.
The more than 13,000-acre lake 30 miles northeast of Columbia is among the largest in South Carolina. But it’s also one of the most shallow, according to southcarolinalakes.info.
While Lake Wateree could rise to hold a maximum water level of 225 feet, most estimates peg its actual deepest point at about 65 feet. And the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said Lake Wateree’s average depth is 6.9 feet — about the same amount estimated to be lost in the drawdown.
Lake Wateree has not been maintained at levels as low as those of the planned drawdown in many years, Duke Energy officials said.
“Lake neighbors are encouraged to consider the water depth and design of their docks to ensure the appropriate actions are taken before the drawdown,” officials said. “For example, some boats will need to be removed from the lake to avoid sitting on the exposed lake bottom and some hinged floating docks may need to be unpinned and alternatively secured to avoid damage.”
Additionally, any lake neighbors planning to perform maintenance on shoreline structures or dredge during the drawdown should get permits as soon as possible, according to the release. The reduced water levels could allow residents greater access to property normally submerged in the water, Duke Energy officials said.
Anyone who lives by the lake or visits it “should maintain a safe distance from the work area,” officials said.
“Duke Energy appreciates the public’s patience as the requirements of the new license are implemented.”
Lake Wateree was created in 1920 with the operation of Wateree Hydroelectric Station and provides a dependable water supply for Lugoff and Camden, according to South Carolina DNR. The Wateree Dam is 3,380 feet long.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
