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Dam addition could ease Lake Chesdin water woes

Posted at 8:01 PM, Feb 08, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-08 20:03:38-05

DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- A drought and water restrictions have become the norm for those who get their drinking water from Lake Chesdin.

Six of the last even years have seen the lake level drop drastically, not only forcing water restrictions, but  also crippling some businesses and hindering recreational use.

House Majority Leader Kirk Cox wants to try to change that for the future. In fact, he has has put a $5 million amendment to be used to help construct a 18-inch addition to the top of the dam into the House budget.

If passed, it will have to be matched by either the cities and counties who get their water from Chesdin or by the Appomattox River Water Authority.

The move could make a big difference for the lake's water levels. In fact, 18 inches on top of the dam could add 1.9 billion gallons of water -- or an extra 20 percent capacity for the lake.