Birmingham Faces Growing Drought Challenges
Birmingham, Alabama, is facing some serious drought concerns, and it seems like everyone is starting to feel the impact. As of late, the Birmingham Water Works Board has raised alarms about the water levels in Lake Purdy, which has recently dropped to an alarming low of 56 percent of full pool. Just to put this into perspective, Lake Purdy hasn’t been at full capacity since mid-August, and locals are beginning to worry about what this could mean for their water supply.
A Historical Perspective on Lake Purdy
For a bit of history, the current low levels are concerning but not unprecedented. In November 2016, Lake Purdy hit a stunning low of only 26 percent of full pool during a period when the entire state was classified in *severe drought*, with many areas facing the worst classification known as *exceptional drought*. While we’re not quite at those levels yet, there has definitely been a gradual increase in drought conditions since this past summer.
A Statewide Issue
It’s not just Birmingham that’s feeling the effects. The entire state is reporting at least abnormally dry conditions, and Birmingham itself has been classified as being in a moderate drought. If you move north of Birmingham, closer to Huntsville, you’ll find areas grappling with a severe drought. In fact, some parts of Alabama, especially along the Tennessee/Alabama border and the Mississippi/Alabama border, are seeing pockets of extreme drought. That’s certainly a mouthful, but it paints a stark picture of just how widespread this issue is.
Dry Streaks and Rainfall
In case you missed it, Birmingham experienced a remarkable dry streak recently. It didn’t record any measurable rain for a staggering 32 consecutive days beginning in September. This dry spell finally came to an end on October 30. However, the city still managed to finish October with just a mere one-quarter inch of rain. Not exactly what you’d call “soaking,” right?
Inland Lake is Not in Good Shape, Either
To add to the concern, it’s not just Lake Purdy that’s taking a hit. Inland Lake is also trending dangerously below full pool. The last time it reached full capacity was early June, and its current levels are reminiscent of times gone by, marking the lowest since December 2022. To put it bluntly, the last time data indicated levels this low was back in December 2012 when it dipped to 38 percent of full pool. No one wants to see history repeat itself, especially since that was during a period of *serious drought*.
What This Means for Residents
The question on everyone’s mind is: what does this mean for Birmingham residents? Continued dry conditions can lead to stricter water conservation measures later on. Everyone might have to pitch in to ensure that we’re using water wisely. It’s going to be vital for the community to come together to tackle this growing issue.
Stay Hydrated and Stay Informed
While it’s easy to feel a bit anxious about these dry times, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Keeping an eye on water usage, reporting any leaks, and perhaps even adjusting daily habits can make a big difference at the community level. The future of water in Birmingham may very well depend on our actions today!
With a collective effort, let’s hope for some rain soon. It might be the only thing that can reliably quench Birmingham’s thirst!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
