Santee Cooper Implements Drought Contingency Plan Due to Falling Lake Levels
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Ongoing rainfall shortages across South Carolina and resulting statewide drought conditions have pushed water levels in Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie below Santee Cooper’s federally approved normal operating range.
In response to these conditions, Santee Cooper implemented the first stage of its Drought Contingency Plan on Aug. 3, 2026. This protocol is triggered when Lake Marion’s elevation declines to more than 1.5 feet below its target elevation for the time of year.
Santee Cooper does not expect these lower water levels to impact the utility’s operations, nearby communities, water recreational activities, or public access to Lake Marion at this time. If the drought conditions worsen to the point that such activities may be impacted, additional information will be provided to the public.
“Our lakes are fed by a massive network of rivers that stretch hundreds of miles into central South Carolina and North Carolina,” said Brian Lynch, senior director of environmental services. “Right now, those upstream areas are very dry, which means much less water is flowing down to fill our lakes. Even though we’ve seen some local afternoon rain showers here in the Lowcountry, it is not nearly enough to make up for the severe lack of rain farther upstream.”
For more than 90 years, Santee Cooper has been serving the people of South Carolina. The utility is South Carolina’s largest power provider and the ultimate source of electricity for 2 million people across the state. Through its affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity and water services, and through innovative partnerships and initiatives that attract and retain industry and jobs, Santee Cooper helps power South Carolina. To learn more, visit www.santeecooper.com and follow #PoweringSC on social media.