Duke Energy Says Water Levels Low at Catawba River Basin

CHARLOTTE, NC — “You need to care about your use of water,” said Jeff Lineberger with Duke Energy.

Duke Energy officials say particularly during a time of drought.

“We are about between 7 and 8 inches below normal rainfall since January,” said Duke Energy Meteorologist, Nick Keener.

Which puts a strain on the largest man made resource, the Catawba River Basin at Cowans Ford Dam.

“Water levels in our lake system are stressed, and what we need everybody doing is paying attention to how you’re using water in your house,” said Lineberger.

If you take a look at the shore line, you can see where the red clay is. That’s where water levels are about 5 feet below the grass there where normal water levels would be. And since we all get our drinking water from it and more than 200,000 homes get electricity, everyone can help conserve.

“They turn their water off once they fill up glass of water, wash cars less, water yards less,” said Kenner.

Duke officials say hydro-generation is the best and cheapest way to provide electricity, but when levels are low, they have to cut back.

“Because we know our steam plants and water utilities and recreation and environment all depend on there being water left in this lake system,” said Lineberger.

So its crucial to keep the supply up through the drought.

“There’s nothing more important to everyday life around here than having clean, reliable drinking water and reliable, affordable electricity,” said Lineberger.