For Our Customers - Lake Bowen Levels

For Our Customers: Spartanburg Water Service Area Considered to be in “Normal” Status as of July 9, 2025.  

Spartanburg Water has recently received questions concerning the water level of its largest drinking water reservoir, Lake Bowen. Similar to other South Carolina area lakes, Lake Bowen has recently seen a slow downward trend in elevation with water levels currently measuring about 9 inches (3/4th of a foot) below “full pool.” As in years past, those owning property adjacent to the reservoir in shallow water cove areas typically notice water fluctuations first.  

Streamflow into Lake Bowen from the South Pacolet River has decreased since May due to unusually high temperatures that have hovered in the mid to upper 90’s, as well as lower than average rainfall in late June through early July. Current rainfall through the first eight days of July was only .70 inches.  Officially, the Spartanburg Water service area IS NOT currently designated to be in “drought” status.  

The South Carolina Drought Response Committee meets regularly and reported as of July 1, 2025, that Spartanburg Water’s service area, and Spartanburg County as well as the entire state, is in “normal” status, with no areas designated in “drought” status. However, noting the projected forecast for hotter/drier weather, the State Drought Response Committee has proactively scheduled two placeholder meetings (July 23 and August 5) to reconvene, should drought conditions escalate. Spartanburg Water has likewise been monitoring the projected forecast and is only withdrawing the minimum amount of water from our water supply reservoirs as needed to serve our customers with exceptional quality drinking water.

Be assured, Spartanburg Water has more than a sufficient amount of water for its customers for the long term, even during certain drought conditions. This includes supplying water for our wholesale partners such as SJWD, Liberty-Chesnee-Fingerville, Meansville-Riley, Jonesville, Metro B and Goucher Water Districts.  

Guy Boyle
Chief Executive
Officer Spartanburg Water

ABOUT SPARTANBURG WATER: Spartanburg Water, an award-winning utility, is comprised of Spartanburg Water System and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. It serves a population of more than 200,000 within Spartanburg County, as well as others in parts of Greenville, Union and Cherokee counties. With the help of its dedicated team of about 300 employees, each day it produces an average of 25 million gallons of drinking water and cleans 12 million gallons of reclaimed water for its customers and community. 

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