Lake levels at an all time low
Drought like first five months of 2007 hasn't been seen for 118 years
By Anna Mitchell

North Carolina prides itself on its spectacular summers. The comfortable weather, gorgeous scenery and beautiful lakes attract tourists and are a joy for the residents of this state.

However, the five month period from January through May 2007 has been the driest period in 118 years. With lake levels at an all time low, citizens of Cherokee County may soon have to find new ways to have fun in the sun.

Due to the very dry conditions, most tributary reservoirs are significantly below their recreation target levels which are typically met on June 1, according to the TVA. On average, reservoirs in the eastern Tennessee Valley were about 10 feet below where TVA would like them to be by June 1. According to the TVA, it would take several sustained, soaking rains, typical of a summer hurricane, to raise the tributary reservoirs significantly, and the long-term forecast is for continued dry conditions.

This poses a problem for lake activity and the business that it attracts. According to the TVA, boating is now more hazardous with sandbars and tree stumps exposed and closer to the surface.

"Business has definitley slowed down." said Rick Lipincott of Shooks Marina. "The lake just isn't as appealing with the dirt banks exposed."

Swimmers at Nottley Dam on Saturday also took notice of the low lake level. The Nottley cliffs, which is a popular spot to jump into the lake, was barren of its usual hustle and bustle due to the dangers of hitting the rocks at bottom.

Not only is the lack of rain affecting recreation, but is also devestating the cattle industry. The scarce rainfall is decreasing the amount of hay and grain byproduct that is produced, and consequently making prices soar. With contiued dry conditions, smaller cattle farmers may be forced to reduce or sell their herds.

Water quality is also a concern that the TVA will face with these record low levels. The TVA is providing water flows below the dams to protect aquatic habitat and to maintain water quality. However if these minimum flows continue, more water will have to be released from the already depeleted reservoirs. According to the TVA, if the low flows continue, water quality could be affected by mid to late summer.