Catawba River Basin returns to normal conditions

January 13, 2012

The Catawba-Wateree River Basin is starting 2012 off in normal conditions after plentiful rainfall during the last several months improved the overall water supply in the basin. The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) today announced Thursday Jan. 12, 2012, that the 4,750 square-mile basin has improved to "Stage 0" of the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP), which means the basin is no longer in a drought.

There are currently no restrictions on water use in Morganton, but residents are always encouraged to use water wisely, and conserve whenever possible.

Click here for current water restrictions.

"Overall, the basin has improved; the northern half of the basin has received more precipitation on a regular basis, while the southern half has progressed more slowly out of drought conditions," said Ed Bruce, Duke Energy, CW-DMAG coordinator.

Although lake levels have dropped some recently due to normal winter draw downs, stream flows feeding the lakes have been improving steadily through the fall.

To learn more about the Catawba-Wateree Basin, local restrictions, and water saving tips, go to www.saveyourwater.org, a website provided by the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group. For more information about the CW-DMAG and the LIP, visit www.duke-energy.com/lakes/cwdmag.asp.

What is the The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group?

The Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) was formed to regularly review the drought status and to recommend and coordinate needed actions for the CW-DMAG members.  The group also reviews the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) and recommends possible improvements to Duke Energy. 

Normally scheduled to meet once a year, the CW-DMAG meets at least monthly when LIP triggers indicate Stage 0 or greater.  CW-DMAG members include the area’s public water suppliers and several large industrial users withdrawing water from the basin, North Carolina and South Carolina resource agencies, the US Geological Survey, and Duke Energy. 

The CW-DMAG and the Low Inflow Protocol (LIP) are outcomes of Duke Energy’s relicensing process for the Catawba-Wateree Hydro Project.  The LIP will become part of Duke Energy’s New License for the Project to be issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.