(July 15, 2008)

MATHIS--South Texas is once again experiencing drought conditions. The lack of rain is having an impact at Lake Corpus Christi where the water levels are dropping.

Last summer, Lake Corpus Christi was at historic levels because of all the rain, but one year later, things have changed

On the banks of Lake Corpus Christi, it's evident to visitors the water levels have gone down. Officials said it's due to more demand for drinking water and the summer drought.

"While currently we are about three lower than if the lake were full and that's due to the lack of rain and heat," said Ethan Belicek, who is the Lake Corpus Christi Park Manager. 

Locals and tourists who visit the lake notice the difference right away.

"Last year, we were there and the lake was really high and we had great fishing," said Roberta Duncan, who has been coming to the lake for 20 years. "This year the lake is lot lower."

"It was deeper in the past, but it got shorter, but you can still jump and everything," said Adrian Perez, an Orange Grove resident. 

So far, no boat ramps or other areas of the lake have been shut down, but if the water levels continue to drop, there could be trouble.

"In about seven to ten feet of more droppage, we'll be forced to shut down the ramps due to safety," Belicek said. "As far as timeline, it just depends on the rain."

"Yes, I'm hoping for rain and I would hate to any of our natural resources to disappear," Duncan said. 

Visitors are hoping for rain in the future to bring lake levels back to normal.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com