The city of Shreveport's water supply could be in jeopardy if the area doesn't get some significant rainfall soon. Mike Strong, the city's Director of Operational Services, said levels in Cross Lake are about four feet below what they should be.
"But we're still pumping and we're still getting water in their pipes," he said.
However, that could change in the near future. Strong said if the area doesn't get rain by Feb.1, the city may have to begin pumping additional water from 12 Mile Bayou, which would bring a new set of problems.
"The water from the bayou is basically rainwater," Strong said, "so you're gonna have a higher chloride and a hardness factor that goes with that."
The lower water level has already begun affecting recreational activities on the lake. At Bob's Boat Launch Tuesday, a half dozen rowboats--once in four feet of water--sat landlocked.
"Some of the people that have lived here longer have seen it a lot drier but not in years," said Paul Vines, who lives nearby. "We just need some rain."
Neighbors Josie and Anthony Sullivan echoed his concerns. The couple usually enjoys dining on fresh fish they catch off a pier behind their home. But lately the only thing beneath the dock is dry land.
"That's not good," said Anthony Sullivan. "And it's getting lower everyday as long as we are still drinking water and taking baths."
Not everyone is complaining, though. The lower water level has made the fishing easier at nearby Melvin's Landing.
"If it rains, fishing's gonna be all over for a while," said one woman who reeled in half a dozen striped bass within a 15 minute period. "With the water coming up, ain't no fish gonna bite. Ain't nothing gonna bite."
But if the water level doesn't rise soon, people could be facing problems. Mike Strong said the city may consider initiating its water conservation plan if the lake drops an additional two feet.
