COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Dominion Energy will begin lowering Lake Murray’s water level this fall in consultation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.
Dam operators will begin lowering the lake this month, with the lake level reaching approximately 350 feet in December. The lake is expected to remain at that target elevation until the end of January 2027.
Why the lake is being lowered
Officials say the drawdown will help control aquatic vegetation and maintain water quality.
Specific species of aquatic vegetation grow in shallow coves and can become entangled in boat propellers. Lowering the lake level will expose these plants to dry conditions and freezing temperatures.
Dominion Energy last lowered Lake Murray to the 350-foot elevation in January 2023.
“Every few years we lower the lake so that we can limit growth of certain aquatic vegetation,” Iris Griffin, Dominion Energy South Carolina vice president of power generation, said. “If left unchecked, the vegetation can negatively affect water quality and make recreational use of the lake difficult. The drawdown also gives lake residents and businesses an opportunity to perform maintenance and repairs on their private docks or shorelines.”
Boater caution urged
The lower lake level means many coves and inlets will be shallower than normal. Dominion Energy urges all boaters to use extra caution during this period.
Lake Murray is expected to return to its normal summer elevation of 358 feet by late spring 2027, depending on rainfall and river flows.
For more information, contact Dominion Energy’s Lake Management at 803-217-9221.