March 28, 2008

The rainfall dependent Catawba-Wateree River basin continues to suffer from an extreme drought.  Due to lower evaporation rates, strong conservation efforts and Duke Energy’s reduced hydroelectric operations, water storage and lake levels have increased.      

The latest update for stream flows and the U.S. Drought Monitor show improvement, which means that drought conditions in our area are starting to improve. Here is a link to the current update: C-W Low Inflow Protocol Upate - March 28, 2008.

The weather outlook for spring 2008 is for an equal chance for above, below or average precipitation.

Thanks for continuing to conserve as the situation in the region begins to improve.

Feb. 29, 2008

The exceptional drought across the Catawba-Wateree River basin continues.  Since January 1, 2008, we have received 4.52 inches of rainfall.  This amounts to only 47 percent of the expected long-term average for January and 71 percent for February.  Thus, the rainfall received to date is less than expected for this time of year, and the region continues to suffer from low stream flows and a lack of significant precipitation.

Watering lawns and landscaping is one of the largest non-essential uses of water within the basin. As property owners consider landscaping renovations or establishing new lawns, Duke Energy asks that they consult their local agricultural extension agent or landscape professional for ideas on making your lawn more drought-tolerant.  The restrictions on the use of lake pumps for landscape irrigation from lakes along the Catawba-Wateree River basin will remain in effect until consistent rain returns to the area and restores stream flows, lake levels, the U.S. Drought Monitor and groundwater levels to acceptable conditions.

Anyone observing misuse of lake pumps can report those to Duke Energy's lake services line at 1-800-443-5193.

February 14, 2008

The moderate to strong La Niña weather pattern associated with our region’s exceptional drought is expected to continue through the winter and weaken through June.  Some models show a possibility of it extending into the fall.  Historically, La Niña events have produced above average rainfall in the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys, while the southeast receives below average rainfall.  Current storage indicators, stream flow, groundwater and the drought monitor combined indicate we are in a Stage 3 drought condition and mandatory water restrictions will stay in place.

January through March typically is the wettest quarter of the year.  As of Feb. 12, we are still nine inches below the long term rainfall average for the quarter.  As of Feb. 12, we have received 3.27 inches of rainfall for the quarter, which should be about 50 percent higher according to the long term average system data kept by Duke since 1971. However, even with the lower than average rainfall amounts thus far in 2008, Duke has still managed to build reservoir storage in the Catawba-Wateree River basin by minimizing our hydroelectric operations and by great conservation efforts of the public.

We welcome the rainfall we’ve received so far this week, and forecasts call for approximately a half inch of rainfall this weekend, as well.  Duke Energy still anticipates that Stage 4 triggers would not be met before August 2008.  Stage 4 would place even further restrictions on water use.    

In order to return to Stage 2 conditions, stream flow, U.S. Drought Monitor and groundwater indicators must all be at or above their Stage 2 trigger points.

Please continue to use your water wisely while we all manage this period of exceptional drought.

February 6, 2008

Recent rain is improving conditions across the Catawba-Wateree River basin.  Lake levels are rising and more boat ramps have been reopened.  Although the water supply in the basin is slowly recovering, it remains in Stage 3 drought condition with mandatory water restrictions in place.

Due to the recent rain and continued conservation, Duke Energy anticipates that tougher water restrictions will not be needed before August 2008.  Duke previously had estimated Stage 4 drought condition triggers could be met this month.  Stage 4 would place even further restrictions on water use, if reached.

In order to return to Stage 2 conditions, stream flow, U.S. Drought Monitor and groundwater indicators must all be at or above their Stage 2 trigger points.

More rainfall and continued conservation will help return our area to normal conditions.

January 25, 2008

Moderate rainfall, combined with minimal hydro operations over the past six weeks in the Lower Catawba basin have raised reservoir levels and stream inflows.

Some reservoirs in the Lower Catawba are above target levels.  Our operational strategy will continue to focus on conserving as much water as possible, while mitigating risk of high water from an unexpected rainfall event.

This strategy includes operating to keep some reservoirs above target levels in preparation for the drought to continue through the summer. Duke will continue daily and weekly hydro operations to balance water conservation with risk of high water.

Jan. 15, 2008

Drought conditions continue in the Catawba-Wateree River basin and across most of the Southeast. More than average rainfall fell during Dec. 2007, along with some precipitation in January. Lake levels have increased as a result. This rain is a welcome relief for our area, but much more is needed to return to normal conditions.

We are closely monitoring current conditions and plan to provide an updated estimate in late January for when Stage 4 could be reached or more stringent water restrictions might be needed. The current estimate for Stage 4 is Feb. 2008, but recent rainfall will extend this estimate much further into the future. This is good news for our region, however, we must continue our focus on conservation.

Earlier this week, Duke Energy opened three boat ramps at the following Lake Rhodhiss access areas – Rhodhiss, Johns River and Conley Creek due to increased lake levels. All boat ramps are being monitored, and openings will be communicated as they occur.

Spring is right around the corner, and our region is known for its beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens. As you begin early planning, please ask your local nursery about plants, bushes, shrubs and trees which need less water and are drought resistant. One of the highest uses of water in our area is for irrigation, so now is the time to make a new resolution to reduce your water use for that purpose.

Please continue to limit electricity and water use as much as possible, and follow the mandatory water restrictions in your local community.

Dec. 28, 2007

Welcome rainfall fell during the recent holiday period providing needed relief to parched lakes and soil. So far this month, the average amount of rainfall in the region is just over two inches. Typical long-term average rainfall in December is three and one-half inches.

Year to date, almost 26 inches of rain has fallen in the Catawba-Wateree River basin, which leaves a deficit in rainfall for our area of just over 20 inches.

This weekend’s forecast is for more rain, possibly one to two inches up and down the basin with more predicted in some areas. To end the year with a month of above average rainfall would be terrific.

Please continue conserving water and energy, and follow local water restrictions in your area.

Thanks for all you have conserved in 2007. Let’s hope for a happy, safe, rainy New Year.

Dec. 7, 2007

Due to cooler temperatures, lower evaporation rates and conservation efforts, Stage 4 drought triggers have been delayed.  Previous estimates indicated that the triggers would be met between mid-Dec. 2007 and mid-Jan. 2008.  Now those triggers are not expected until sometime in February.  Stage 4 does not mean the remaining supply of water in the basin is depleted. Rather, tougher water restrictions will be needed at that time.  These changes in the basin also extends the worst case, highly unlikely scenario when the most shallow water intakes and equipment on the lakes could begin to be impacted until May 2008.

While these extensions are good news, it’s important to understand the forecast for a La Nina winter in our region. This forecast predicts above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. The Catawba-Wateree is a rainfall dependent river basin, and we depend on winter and spring rains to replenish the lakes and reservoirs.

Conservation is more important now than when the acute drought began back in April. Please continue following your local water restrictions. In addition, below are some ways to reduce energy and water consumption as you prepare for the holidays:

• Use energy efficient LED Christmas lights. 
• Cut down on the number of strings of lights that you use.
• Try to keep your lights on for only two to five hours a day.
• Make sure to turn off your lights when you aren’t at home and when you go to bed.
• Ensure out-of-town guests understand the seriousness of the drought and abide by local water restrictions.

The Drought Management Advisory Group, consisting of Duke Energy and 24 major water suppliers up and down the river, continue with contingency planning in order to protect essential services for the public.

It is important for everyone to continue working together to conserve energy and water during this time of drought. 

Nov. 28, 2007

While our region certainly welcomed the recent rainfall, it did not break the drought. Current estimates continue to indicate that Stage 4 drought triggers will be met between mid-December 2007 and mid-January 2008; however, current forecasts show a possibility for rainfall early next week.  

Stage 4 does not mean the remaining supply of water in the basin is depleted. Rather, tougher water restrictions will be needed at that time. 

The Drought Management Advisory Group, consisting of Duke Energy and 24 major water suppliers up and down the river, met earlier this week to continue with contingency planning in order to protect essential services for the public.

At this point, the worst case, highly unlikely scenario when the most shallow water intakes and equipment on the lakes could begin to be impacted is still estimated at the middle of March 2008.

Duke Energy expects to incorporate November data into the hydrology modeling and provide an update for Stage 4 and worst case scenario estimates next week.

It is important for everyone to continue working together to conserve energy and water during this time of drought.

November 14, 2007

Aggressive conservation efforts are needed now more than ever to protect our water supply.  The Catawba-Wateree river basin is dependent on rainfall.  With no rain, we must drastically alter our water consumption habits; particularly, in outdoor watering.  While it should be understood that we can’t conserve our way out of the drought, conservation is the only way to preserve water for essential uses until we receive significant rainfall. 

Current estimates continue to indicate that Stage 4 drought triggers will be met between mid-December 2007 and mid-January 2008; however, current projections show a possibility for rainfall early next week.  Stage 4 does not mean the remaining supply of water in the basin is depleted. Rather, tougher water restrictions will be needed at that time. 

Duke Energy, along with other parties having an interest in water quantity, continues to follow the low inflow protocol (LIP).  The LIP establishes procedures for reductions in water use during periods of low inflow, and it was developed on the basis that all parties with interests in water quantity will share the responsibility to establish priorities and to conserve the limited water supply.

The worst case, highly unlikely scenario when the most shallow water intakes and equipment on the lakes could begin to be impacted is still estimated at the middle of March 2008.

For further information about water restrictions in your area or questions regarding drinking water, please contact your local water provider. 

Thank you for your ongoing conservation efforts.

November 9, 2007

With no recent rainfall to replenish the region’s water supply, continued aggressive conservation efforts are needed. Currently, we estimate Stage 4 drought restrictions may be declared between mid-December 2007 and mid-January 2008, unless additional rainfall and greater water conservation efforts provide relief. Stage 4 does not mean the remaining supply of water in the basin is depleted. Rather, tougher water restrictions will be needed at that time.

Duke Energy is working closely with the major public water system operators to conserve water, while all owners of water intakes in the Catawba-Wateree River basin are finalizing contingency planning in order to protect the water supply as much as possible.

The worst case, highly unlikely scenario when the most shallow water intakes and equipment on the lakes could begin to be impacted continues to be estimated at the middle of March 2008.

For further information about water restrictions in your area or questions regarding drinking water, please contact your local water provider.

Protecting the region’s water supply through this exceptional drought is a shared responsibility. Thank you for your continued conservation efforts.

October 31, 2007

Although last week’s rainfall began replenishing the region’s water supply, without substantial additional rainfall in the Catawba-Wateree River basin, Stage 4 drought conditions which call for tougher water restrictions could arrive between mid-December 2007 and mid-January 2008. At this stage, water suppliers would likely add more restrictions on water use. Additional rainfall and greater water conservation could help to further delay the onset of Stage 4. 

Predicting the time until the remaining useable storage will be fully depleted is difficult due to such variables as evaporation, conservation and rainfall. However, through the use of water modeling, Duke Energy determined a worse case scenario for estimating when the usable water storage in the basin will be depleted. By assuming a 2 percent storage decline per week, and assuming the same rainfall/drought conditions seen in recent months, the most shallow water intakes and equipment on the lakes could begin to be impacted by the middle of March 2008. Even though the long term forecast through Feb. 2008 is for drier than normal weather, there is only a 10 percent or less probability that the extreme lack of rainfall experienced in the past several months will continue in the coming months, so this scenario is extremely unlikely to occur. 

While this worst case scenario would not mean that the Catawba-Wateree reservoirs would be dry, it does mean the most shallow water intakes in the basin could be at risk at that time and contingency plans would need to be implemented to ensure all essential needs are met. 

Duke Energy continues to work closely with the major public water system operators and limit hydroelectric station operations in order to conserve water. Continued conservation by all will help buy time until more rainfall comes to our region. In the meantime, all owners of water intakes in the Catawba-Wateree River basin are finalizing contingency planning in order to protect the water supply.

Please continue to conserve.

October 25, 2007

The Catawba-Wateree River basin remains in a Stage 3 drought condition this week. Rainfall in recent days has been helpful but ongoing conservation and more rainfall is needed. The reservoirs, lakes and streams in the Carolinas are very rainfall dependent. It will take a return to more than normal rainfall amounts to recover from this drought.

Based on recent data, Duke Energy estimates the basin would likely meet the triggers for a Stage 4 drought condition by mid-Nov to early Dec. 2007 (in three-six weeks). Stage 4 does not mean we’ll be out of water – it means it will be time to enact further water use restrictions in order to conserve water in the river for essential uses. In this stage, additional water use restrictions are implemented by public water utilities and would likely include restrictions for businesses and commercial users of water. Individual water utilities would communicate these restrictions for their individual communities and work to achieve a 20%-30% or more water savings over normal use.

The regional drought management group is finishing contingency planning in order to support essential public services in the event that lake levels would drop below minimum levels. Declining lake levels during this stage of the drought could impact intakes and other vital equipment. Duke Energy will work with the 24 major public water system operators to aggregate these contingency plans and load them into the calculation we use to determine current conditions in the basin and for planning purposes.

We're fortunate in this region to have 11 dams on the river to help manage the flow of water. Many free flowing rivers, creeks and streams have dried up. Duke Energy manages the flow of water in the basin to ensure essential uses such as drinking water supplies, electricity for customers, and industrial uses are met and aquatic life are considered.

Conservation efforts by individuals help postpone moving to this next level of drought condition. Governors in both states are calling for increased conservation efforts. With Governor’s Easley’s announcement this week, many communities will seek to conserve 50%. Cities and towns up and down the Catawba are already conserving by 20% or more. This coordinated conservation effort combined with small amounts of rainfall will continue to delay moving to the next stage of water restrictions. Thanks for continuing to conserve.

October 17, 2007

The Catawba-Wateree River basin remains in a Stage 3 drought condition this week. Individuals, towns, cities and counties up and down the river are responding to this exceptional drought by saving water for essential uses.

We’re fortunate in this region to have 11 dams on the river to help manage the flow of water. Many free flowing rivers, creeks and streams have dried up. Duke Energy manages the flow of water in the basin to ensure essential uses such as drinking water supplies, electricity for customers, and industrial uses are met and aquatic life are considered.

Water use and electricity use are linked so it’s important to conserve both. Duke Energy, major public water system operators and industry users will continue working together to conserve water.

Lake levels will continue to decline. Those with watercraft in the lakes who haven’t taken appropriate action for storage should consider doing so. Extreme caution should be used if on Catawba-area lakes.

October 9, 2007

On October 4, 2007, Duke Energy declared the Catawba-Wateree River basin in a Stage 3 low inflow condition, which calls for more restrictions on non-essential uses of water. In addition, the U.S. Drought Monitor upgraded the drought in our region to exceptional; the highest drought classification. Water is currently leaving the basin at an average rate of 2-3% per week. Currently, the Catawba-Wateree River basin remains in Stage 3 low inflow condition.

With little or no rainfall in the forecast, it’s more important than ever for individuals to review their own energy and water usage and find ways to conserve even more. Conservation is vital until normal rainfall patterns return to our area. Duke Energy, major public water system operators and industries plan to continue working together to conserve even more water.

Duke Energy manages 11 lakes as one system. We are dedicated to protecting equipment in the lakes and river that serve vital health and safety for people in the region including systems that provide drinking water and electricity. Our operational plan also considers the aquatic health in the basin.

For additional water restrictions in your community, contact your local water provider.

October 4, 2007

Duke Energy declared a Stage 3 low inflow condition for the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. The action is part of a regional drought plan which calls for more restrictive mandatory water conservation measures throughout the basin as the drought becomes exceptional. Duke Energy’s role is to provide basin-wide data. The latest information indicates that approximately 42 percent of usable water storage remains in the Catawba-Wateree basin prompting the Stage 3 declaration.

For additional water restrictions in your community, contact your local water provider.

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