Rainfall Welcome Relief For Green Country Lakes

GLENCOE, Oklahoma -- The rain may be causing problems but for some, it's liquid gold. Area lakes have been drying up because of the drought and our mild winter. Only the rain, and a lot of it, can fill them back to a more comfortable level.

The more rain we get, the more Lone Chimney Lake will fill up. This is crucial because the lake is a vital water source for 16,000 people.

Spring is roaring in to Oklahoma like a Lion. With storms rolling over Green Country.

"As far as I know, this is the record. Especially going into the spring. We've never been this low," said Mike Bales, Lone Chimney water plant operator.

The rain is bringing sweet relief to local lakes. Bales says let it rain.

"It means we can last a little bit longer as far as the lake and being able to feed our customers," he said.

Right now, the water in the lake is almost eight feet below normal. Bales says just an inch of rain could net the lake three inches.

But Bales says he won't feel at ease until the lake is up another four to five feet. So there's a back-up plan.

The Lone Chimney Water Association is working to finance a 12-inch pipeline from Stillwater to connect to its water lines. That may not happen until next year. Rain would buy them some time.

"It's crucial. Some of our entities don't have any other water supply but us," Bales said.

Also welcoming the rain with open arms, Skiatook Lake.

The Army Corps of Engineers' shows the lake is down nine feet from last year, and is 14 feet below average.

01/23/2012 Related Story: Skiatook Lake's Record Low Water Level Concerns Corps Of Engineers

"Let's face it, the ground out there is very dry. It's going to take some rain to soak up the water enough to get a runoff from the rain," said Ross Adkins with the Army Corps of Engineers

With steady rain in the forecast, it may be the thirst quencher the lakes need.

"More rain, definitely more rain. Everybody needs to pray for it. That's all we can do," Bales said.

Every bit of rain stretches how long the lake will be able to provide to its customers. The Lone Chimney Water Plant now says the water levels should last them until September.