By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Alabama Power says water levels at several Alabama lakes are expected to drop significantly over the coming weeks as the utility takes steps to protect water quality and navigation threatened by the current drought.
Alabama Power spokesman Michael Sznajderman said by the end of July, water levels at Harris, Martin, Smith and Weiss lakes will be at levels never before seen at this time of year.
The four lakes are expected to drop three to ten feet below normal summer levels by early August.
This year's drought is the worst on record for north and central Alabama. According to Alabama Power, streams that feed the utility are at historic lows for this time of year.
In the statement, Alabama Power says it asked the U-S Army Corps of Engineers in May to reduce the amount of water the company must release from its dams and also to allow more water flow into Alabama from Corps reservoirs in Georgia.
The Corps would need a full environmental assessment before it could make any decision on Alabama Power's requests.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)