Recent Environmental Events
The lack of rain in the eastern portion of North Carolina during 2007 affected the water level in Lake Waccamaw. Water levels dropped greater than 15 inches (380 mm) below normal as of late 2007. The record low is 19.5 inches (500 mm) recorded in 1993. The record high was 37 inches (940 mm) above normal in 1999. In 2008, some additional rain and swamp drainage had increased the water levels.
In October, 2012, a mysterious aquatic plant that fouls boat propellers, makes boating and swimming difficult, and has the potential to make fishing less productive has been identified as hydrilla, an invasive species that has attacked the lake. The hydrilla outbreak was first discovered around the boat ramp and extends from the Waccamaw Sailing Club along the northwest and north shorelines to the site of the old Weaver’s Pavilion just west of Dale’s Seafood. Infestations of the underwater weed are not visible from the shore in most locations and according to lake residents, extends from the shore for about one-half mile out into the lake. Someone asked how long it would take to treat the lake of the unwanted weed. “You’re looking at five to seven years,” replied the expert.
Read more about this topic: Lake Waccamaw
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