As an ongoing drought reaches its 16th month and local lake water levels sit 18 feet below normal, officials are taking major steps to secure the area's water supply.

On Tuesday, June 20, the Division of Water approved the addition of a high-capacity water pump capable of moving 2.5 million gallons per day. An order totaling approximately $600,000 was placed on Friday, June 23, for the pump along with 12-inch piping. Work on the project is expected to begin within the next 7 to 10 days.

Once installed, the new equipment will work alongside an existing pump, allowing officials to pull up to 3 million gallons per day on rainy days to help offset dry periods.

Local leadership extended appreciation to Don and Cindy Cravens, as well as Steve Spears and the Spears family, for granting immediate land access to lay the necessary pipelines for the installation.

While the new infrastructure will provide significant relief, officials continue to urge residents to practice water conservation while drought conditions persist.