THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LYNCHBURG -- Dry conditions have forced Lynchburg to tap the James River to supplement its public water supply.

This week, the city began drawing river water for 24 percent of its supply, and Utilities Director Tim Mitchell said he expects half the water supply will come from the river by the end of this week.

Typically, Pedlar Reservoir supplies sufficient water until September or early October.

Yesterday, however, the reservoir was 141 inches below the spillway. Once it dips below 160 inches, the city will draw almost all of its water from the river.

Officials blame a dry fall and winter for the low water levels.

Information from: The News & Advance in Lynchburg