Significant rainfall during the last few months and other constraints on the lower Saluda River are delaying a water-level reduction of Lake Murray.

The drawing down of the lake was scheduled to reach its targeted elevation in the 350- foot range by mid-December, but with so much rain the drawdown is taking longer.

SCE&G, a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, anticipates the water level to continue to rise over the next week and will work to lower it as soon as conditions allow.

“We’ve had an unusually active rain period which has decelerated the process of drawing down the lake,” said Jim Landreth, vice president of Fossil and Hydro Plant Operations. “However, I’m confident we’ll reach the drawdown level so unwanted sediments can be pushed deeper into the lake, growth of nuisance aquatic vegetation will be reduced, and residents and businesses can make any necessary dock repairs or shoreline improvements.”

Although the public will continue to have access to the lake, boaters are advised to use caution during the low-water period. Areas of the lake with typically higher water levels will become shallow and will not have hazard markers.

Lake Murray is expected to return to its normal elevation of 358 feet by spring 2019. For more information, please call SCE&G Lake Management at 803-217-9221.