CAYCE, S.C. (Aug. 11) In consultation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Dominion Energy is scheduled to begin a drawdown of Lake Murray this fall. The drawdown is scheduled to begin in October, with the lake levels reaching approximately 350 feet in December and remaining at that elevation until the end of January 2023. The purpose of the drawdown is to aid in the control of aquatic vegetation and to assist with maintaining water quality.

The drawdown is designed to target and curb the growth of specific species of aquatic vegetation that grow in shallow coves and often wrap around boat propellers. Lowering lake levels will uncover these plants, causing dehydration and exposing them to freezing temperatures.

“Periodic, gradual drawdowns serve to keep the lake healthy,” said Dominion Energy South Carolina vice president of power generation Iris Griffin. “These efforts help limit the growth of certain aquatic vegetation which, if unchecked, can affect water quality and make recreational use of the lake difficult.”

Areas of the lake with typically higher water levels will become shallower during the drawdown. Dominion Energy urges all boaters to use extra caution during this period.

Lake Murray is expected to return to its normal elevation of 358 feet by spring 2023, depending on rainfall and river flows. For more information, please call Dominion Energy’s Lake Management at 803- 217-9221. 

About Dominion Energy
About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to safely providing reliable, affordable and sustainable energy and to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.