Experts remain optimistic rain will bring relief

Lake Grapevine's water level stands at 525 feet mean sea level, which measures among the 10 lowest levels in more than 50 years, according to weather experts.

But city officials aren't ready to panic yet – they are staying cautiously optimistic that spring will bring rain to replenish Grapevine's vital body of water.

But, for a city that relies on the lake for tourism and other amenities, as well as for 30 percent of its drinking water, a spring without rain could mean trouble.

"[In] March and April we'll hopefully get some [rain]," Scott's Landing Marina manager Caroline Jackson said. "Everybody is just hoping for a lot of rain."

Trending down

The lake's water level has been hovering around 525 feet since late January, according to data from the National Weather Service.

That number would be the seventh- or eighth-lowest ever, NWS Meteorologist Brian Hoeth said.

In December 2006, the lake's level fell to a record low of about 521 feet, he said.

At 520 feet, the city activates a drought contingency plan that involves a 30 percent rate surcharge and water restrictions.

Those restrictions include usage bans on residential water (lawn care, car washing) during certain hours of the day, shut-off of fountains and re-filling of private pools, according to the Grapevine Code of Ordinances.

"It's definitely a concern," Hoeth said of the lake's current level.

In early February 2013, the lake was at about 528 feet, according to data by the Texas Water Development Board. As of Feb. 5, it was at about 525 feet.

The last time the lake was at its average level of 535 feet was April 2012, said Joe Moore, Grapevine's assistant parks and recreation director and environmental manager.

"It's been slowly going down for a while now," Assistant City Manager Jennifer Hibbs said.

Results of low levels

While the lake's primary purpose is "flood control and conservation," according to the Army Corps of Engineers, it has become a popular recreation destination, especially for boaters and those who enjoy the outdoors.

Four of the 10 boat ramps at Lake Grapevine are now closed because of low water levels, Moore said. Boaters need to be aware of stumps and rocks that may be exposed because of the water level, he said.

"We have to be dynamic," he said of what the city can do to handle the ever-changing water levels.

Last year Grapevine extended some of the boat ramps to increase access, Hibbs said.

"It really stinks when you have a big lake, and no one can get out there," she said.

Aside from boating hazards, there is also an increase in vandalism and other enforcement issues when water levels are low at the lake, said Tim Musick, a ranger for the Army Corps of Engineers.

"We're at the mercy of the weather," he said. "It's definitely a concern for us."

Recreational tourism at the lake is a big part of Grapevine's appeal, Hibbs said, and the water level directly affects that.

In the past fiscal year, the lake generated about $2.1 million from campgrounds, boat ramps, special events and other programs, said Mona Burk, Grapevine's parks and recreation media relations manager.

"The lake is a tourism draw, especially locally, and people are less likely to come out when the water is low," Hibbs said.

But city officials are used to changing water levels and are not worried yet, Hibbs said.

"It's something we always keep an eye on," she said.

Help may be on the way, Hoeth said, even if it may not be in time for spring.

The NWS monitors waters in the Pacific Ocean for changes in temperature and pressure, Hoeth said. One degree above a certain temperature could forecast an El Nino weather pattern, which means "wetter [weather] for Texas," Hoeth said.

"Which is good as far as drought is concerned," he said.

Other than spring, fall is the season during which rainfall is highest, Hoeth said, and that may be when relief comes to the lake.

"There may not be significant improvement by [spring]. But we may make a comeback in the fall," he said.

Since it is winter and there is little boating activity on the lake, it is quiet at Scott's Landing Marina, Jackson said.

Although she is used to the lake level dipping during the winter, there is concern about the upcoming spring.

While it can be stressful relying on the weather for business, Jackson said she has become accustomed to it.

"We play this game every year," she said.

When the rain comes, Moore hopes it comes in full force.

"[I'm] not hoping for a hurricane, but we could definitely use some rain."