Frist drought level declared

The three reservoirs on the Upper Savannah River declared the first drought level on Sunday — in reaction to the pool elevation at the Strom Thurmond Lake dipping below 326.0 feet above mean sea level.  Entering Drought Trigger Level 1 activates the drought management plan of the Corps of Engineers which conserves water in the lakes by reducing the outflows from the Thurmond Dam.  The pool elevations on Sunday were 656.28 ft-msl at Lake Hartwell and 325.98 ft-msl at Lake Thurmond.  Water managers also adjust Lake Hartwell releases as needed to stay in balance with Thurmond.  Reducing outflow decreases the amount of hydropower generated through the dam but conserves more water in the reservoirs.  Currently, swim beaches and boat launching lanes are open, and camping, boating, skiing, fishing and other forms of recreation continue unabated.  But safety officials urge the public to use caution as reservoirs levels decline and underwater obstructions are closer to the surface.