Municipalities near Lake Chesdin, Va., are nearing emergency water restrictions as water levels at the lake have dropped to record lows. As of Sept. 10, the water line was 95 inches below the top of the dam and was so low it didn’t reach the water line of the stick used to measure the water level, according to a report by WTVR television.
Emergency water restrictions will kick in if the water level falls to 135 inches below the top of the dam, according to the report.
Restrictions could force some businesses to curtail water use. Bob Schrum, owner of Flagstop Car Wash, told the news station that he was worried about the water levels but remained optimistic his three area carwashes would pick up business if emergency conditions go into effect because residential carwashing would be among the first water uses prohibited.
Flagstop Car Wash uses approximately 30 percent of the water used by residential carwashers, Schrum said.
At the rate the lake’s water level has been falling, water authority officials speculated water restrictions could be imposed by the end of the month.
WTVR’s news report, including an interview with Schrum, can be viewed below: