Low level of Atoka Lake spark claims

<br>(Stringtown-AP) -- Atoka Lake is 11.5 feet below normal and some in the area are wondering if too much water is being pumped from the lake. <br><br>Others blame the low level on a lack of rainfall

Friday, January 2nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Stringtown-AP) -- Atoka Lake is 11.5 feet below normal and some in the area are wondering if too much water is being pumped from the lake.

Others blame the low level on a lack of rainfall in the southeast Oklahoma area.

Local resident Greg Collard says some people wonder if Oklahoma City is pumping too much water from the lake, which was built by the city as a municipal water supply.

Oklahoma City water officials say there is no excessive withdrawal and the problem is a lack of rain.

The Oklahoma Climatological Survey says southeastern and south-central Oklahoma received only 64% of normal rainfall last year, making it the dryest year in 40 years.