Hot, dry conditions affect Lake Martin water level

No rainfall in recent weeks has prompted Alabama Power to reduce water releases from Martin Dam, as allowed by the company's federal license, but water levels are expected to continue to decline.

 Audra Spears

Hot and dry conditions across Alabama are beginning to take a toll on Lake Martin's water level.

“Despite an extremely wet winter season, the dry conditions that have developed are now negatively affecting the flows in rivers and streams that feed Alabama Power’s reservoirs,” said Herbie Johnson, Alabama Power Hydro general manager. “Along with the below-normal rainfall, heat and evaporation are also having an impact.”