Lake Wateree Drawdown

Rachael Rosenstein • October 11, 2022

Lake Wateree Drawdown

Lake Wateree is the downstream most reservoir within the Catawba-Wateree watershed and as such, it is subject to increased occurrences and severity of flooding. During the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing in 2015, residents in Lancaster, Fairfield, and Kershaw counties requested that Duke Energy remedy this issue. The company has hired an engineering firm who will be removing roughly the top 5 ft of the dam spillways to install flood gates. This will allow Duke to pass more water through dam during and before rain events to alleviate flooding of Lake Wateree shoreline. In order to safely complete this construction project, water levels in the lake need to be lowered.

The drawdown of water will begin on October 15, 2022 with decreasing levels through November 15, 2022. Water will be lowered at a rate of about 0.1 foot each day with an ultimate goal of reaching 93.5 feet. The water level will fluctuate between 93.5 and full pond for approximately 14-16 months depending on construction requirements and rainfall. The lake will still be open for use, but some public launches may close. Existing channel, shoal, and hazard buoys will remain in place for the duration of the drawdown. However, it is important to use extra caution because hazards that were previously covered such stumps and rocks fallen trees, may become exposed.

The drawdown period also provides a great opportunity for residents to perform native plant shoreline stabilization, maintenance on their docks, and other such activities within the uncovered areas.

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One Year Later: Catawba Riverkeeper’s Response to Hurricane Helene

By Brandon Jones • September 26, 2025

This month marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that brought unprecedented flooding, infrastructure damage, and public health challenges across the Southeast, including the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. In the days, weeks, and months following the disaster, the Catawba Riverkeeper mobilized to provide relief and to help communities recover. Today, we reflect on those efforts and recommit to the work of building resilience for the future. Supply Distribution In the immediate aftermath, Catawba Riverkeeper coordinated with local partners to deliver emergency supplies to affected communities. Teams transported bottled water, food staples, hygiene kits, and cleaning materials donated by the public to supply hubs and airports. These efforts ensured that essential resources reached households experiencing prolonged disruptions in basic services.