Upper Savannah reservoirs enter Drought Level 1

The reservoirs on the Savannah River operated by the Army Corps of Engineers entered the first drought level yesterday when pool elevation at Lake Thurmond dipped below 326 feet above mean seal level.  Entering Trigger Level 1 activates the corps’ drought management plan which limits the discharge rate from the Thurmond Dam.  Once either Lake Hartwell or Lake Thurmond enters drought conditions, water managers reduce releases from Thurmond Dam until Hartwell and Thurmond rise two feet above the trigger. Corps officials urge the public to use caution when boating, swimming or fishing.  As the levels decline, underwater obstructions will be closer to the surface.  This is particularly dangerous for boaters and skiers.  More than 10 public water systems and industrial users draw water directly from the reservoirs and even more draw from the Savannah River downstream of Thurmond Dam.