Get ready for Lake Murray’s water level to drop to 350 feet this winter.

SC Electric & Gas and the SC Department of Natural Resources need to do it to control aquatic weed growth.

“To keep the lake healthy, the water level needs to be lowered periodically,” said Jim Landreth, vice president of Fossil and Hydro Plant Operations.

This allows rain to wash sediment into deeper parts of the lake.

“The sediments have unwanted nutrients that allow weeds to grow, which eventually becomes troublesome to the water quality and boaters.”

The October-to-January draw down will curb the growth of Southern Naiad and slender pond weed that grow in shallow coves and foul boat propellers.

To control hydrilla and other marine plant growth, DNR released 1,500 more sterile carp into the lake in June and plans another 1,500 this fall. The carp have had a major impact on hydrilla growth.

Lower lake levels will kill the plants and expose them to freezing temperatures. By the spring of 2019, the lake will return to the average elevations of 358 feet. SCE&G has encouraged lake residents to make dock and shoreline repairs during this time.

Archeologists, historians and others had hoped the draw down could be lower to allow them to explore more of what’s under water.

SCE&G officials said they met with the Department of Natural Resources and lake property owners and decided on a minimal draw down this year.

That should be good news to boaters and anglers who use the lake all year.

For information, call SCE&G Lake Management at 803-217-9221.