Nearly Two-Thirds of Ohio Facing Drought Conditions: MWCD Announces Proactive Measures to Protect Wa

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OH (August 28, 2024) – Ohio is currently experiencing significant drought conditions, with nearly two-thirds of the state affected, according to the latest data from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's "U.S. Drought Monitor." As of Thursday, August 22, the Drought Monitor reports that 62.67% of the state is under drought conditions. Since the beginning of the calendar year, nearly 45% of Ohio has been impacted by drought.
 
The most severe conditions, classified as "extreme drought," are primarily affecting Southern and Southeastern Ohio. Approximately 2.7 million Ohioans currently live in drought-affected areas.
 
In response to these challenging conditions, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) is taking proactive steps to protect the state’s vital water resources. As part of our ongoing commitment to balancing economic development, drinking water needs, and recreational opportunities, MWCD staff have been closely monitoring lake levels throughout the watershed and are prepared to take any precautions needed.
 
Beginning Wednesday, August 28, MWCD will curtail water withdrawals from Atwood Lake until conditions improve. This decision comes in light of the extreme dry conditions that have caused lake levels to drop by over 12 inches, impacting some recreational activities.
 
"MWCD lakes store over 68 billion gallons of water during the summer, with Atwood Lake alone having a storage capacity of over 7 billion gallons," said Craig Butler, MWCD Executive Director. "While our program to sell water has a negligible impact on lake levels, we are taking this proactive measure to ensure that we balance our economic, recreational, and conservation priorities during this critical time."
 
MWCD remains committed to preserving Ohio's lakes and recreational resources, ensuring they continue to serve the community's needs both now and in the future. For more information about MWCD or to view lake levels in real time, visit www.mwcd.org.
 
About Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
The MWCD, a political subdivision of the state, was organized in 1933 to develop and implement a plan to reduce flooding and conserve water for beneficial public uses in the Muskingum River Watershed, the largest wholly contained watershed in Ohio. Since their construction, the 16 reservoirs and dams in the MWCD region have been credited for saving over $7 billion worth of potential property damage from flooding, according to the federal government, as well as providing popular recreational opportunities that bolster the region’s economy garnering more than 5 million visitors annually. A significant portion of the reservoirs are managed by the MWCD and the dams are managed for flood-risk management by the federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). For more information about the MWCD, visit www.mwcd.org and follow the MWCD on Facebook and Twitter.
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