LOGAN MARTIN LAKE — As drought conditions continue to plague the state and affect lake conditions, Alabama Power has taken steps to conserve water and keep local lakes close to full summer pool.Alabama Power announced Friday that the company “has cut releases from its hydroelectric dams to the minimums required to protect fisheries, endangered species, water quality and critical municipal and industrial industries.”
Gina Warren, a spokeswoman for Alabama Power, said this means the company will not release water over the dams to produce hydroelectric power.
Warren said that although Alabama Power relies on the hydroelectric power during the summer months because it’s a peak time, the needed generation will be pulled from other sources already being used, such as fossil fuels or nuclear power.
“This is one of the tools we have at our disposal to try to keep those lake levels,” Warren said.
Drought conditions have hindered normal flow into the lakes. Evaporation from summer heat and rainfall are also affecting the lake levels.
As of July 8, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows the majority of the state is in a drought. The severity of the conditions range from “abnormally dry” to “severe drought.” Both Talladega and St. Clair counties are classified in severe drought.
According to the lake elevation summary chart posed on the Alabama Power Web site, Logan Martin Lake is currently sitting at 463.87 feet above sea level, while Lay Lake is at 396.04 feet. Full summer pool for the two lakes is 465 feet and 396 feet above sea level, respectively.
Warren said the cuts should not affect residents living near the lakes, as far as power is concerned, because of the other sources, but said lake residents need to stay abreast of changes in lake conditions.
“This is a big thing, because this is such a dynamic situation. They need to stay aware of what the conditions are, of whatever lake they are at,” Warren said. “Business owners and property owners should be aware of levels, to protect their property. Everyone needs to conserve water and be aware of (lake) conditions where they are.”
The Alabama Power Company offers two ways for people to accurately check a lake’s water levels. Interested persons can call the company’s Reservoir Information System 1-800-LAKES11, or visit the Web site www.lakes.alabamapower.com.
