Lake Maumelle, the primary drinking‑water source for roughly 500,000 people in Central Arkansas, is currently about 12 feet below its normal pool elevation. The low level is making boat launches difficult and has forced local fishing guides to travel up to 90 minutes away from Little Rock to find suitable water.
Impact on anglers and guides
Eric Watts, owner of Natural State Fishing Guide Service, says he has not taken a customer onto the lake in roughly three months. “We’re having to take them outside of the area, traveling anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes away from Little Rock, just to have a great day of fishing,” he explained. For those who do manage to launch a boat, Watts warns that exposed tree stumps and shallow shoals create hidden hazards. “If you do not know the lake, if you’re unfamiliar with the lake, I would strongly recommend staying off of it,” he advised.
Why the lake is low
Douglas Shackelford, public affairs officer for Central Arkansas Water, attributes the decline primarily to an ongoing drought. An earlier drawdown for dam maintenance lowered the water further, and the anticipated rainfall has not arrived. “The rainfall deficit exceeds 15 inches compared with the 30‑year normal,” said Dennis Cavanaugh, warning‑coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Little Rock, noting that the current drought is comparable to the hot, dry summers of 2011‑2012.
Water supply remains secure
Despite the drawdown, Shackelford emphasized that the combined storage of Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona still represents roughly nine months of water for the utility’s customers, even without additional rain. No water restrictions or moratoriums have been imposed, and demand is expected to fall as cooler weather arrives. “People aren’t watering their lawns. People aren’t filling up their swimming pools anymore,” he said.
Weather outlook
Winter temperatures should help reduce evaporation, and dormant vegetation will use less water, allowing a greater share of any precipitation to reach the reservoirs. Cavanaugh expects a slightly wetter pattern during the first week of November, though he cautioned that the moisture may provide only limited relief. “It doesn’t necessarily look like the type of wetness that’s going to erase the drought,” he said, “but again, anything helps.”
Future monitoring and plans
Shackelford noted that the lake’s watershed extends about 50 miles west, so rainfall across that area can flow into the reservoir. Central Arkansas Water continues to monitor supply levels and has a drought‑response plan that outlines additional steps should dry conditions persist.
Residents who rely on Lake Maumelle for recreation are encouraged to stay informed about water levels and to follow safety guidance when launching boats. The utility assures the public that drinking‑water needs remain well‑covered for the foreseeable future.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
