The City of Camden is advising residents that the Catawba-Wateree River Basin has been placed in Stage 1 drought conditions following an extended period of dry weather across the region. The region is currently experiencing its eighth consecutive month of below-average rainfall, and water levels in many of the smaller streams that feed the basin are lower than normal.
The designation was issued by the Catawba-Wateree Drought Management Advisory Group (CW-DMAG) under its Low Inflow Protocol (LIP). Stage 1 is the second of five drought stages outlined in the protocol and requests voluntary water conservation across the basin, which stretches from the North Carolina mountains to the Wateree Dam.
As a water provider within the basin, the City of Camden is asking customers to voluntarily eliminate non-essential water use and limit discretionary uses such as lawn irrigation to no more than twice per week during off-peak hours (10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.). In accordance with City ordinance, the goal during Stage 1 is to achieve a 3–5 percent reduction in overall water use.
“As a member of the Catawba-Wateree Water Management Group, the City of Camden aims to raise awareness about increased drought conditions and help promote responsible water use during this time of extreme dry conditions in the entire drainage basin,” said Jack Thornsberry, Director of Utilities and Public Works for the City of Camden.“ By starting volunteer conservation efforts early, we can help protect our collective water resources should the drought conditions continue into the summer.”
Duke Energy, which manages the lakes in the basin, has begun making adjustments to help conserve water levels, including releasing less water downstream and limiting certain recreational flows, while lake users may also notice increased monitoring at public boating access areas, with temporary closures possible if water levels continue to decline.
The City of Camden, along with CW-DMAG partners, will continue monitoring conditions and coordinating efforts to protect the shared water supply and the health of the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Residents with questions about water use or conservation practices may contact the City of Camden Public Works Department at 803-432-2421.