Speculation amongst visitors and on social media threads ranged from a crack in the Lake Murray dam to a return of the drought, even though the past winter was exceptionally rainy and filled most of the reservoirs across California. Lake Murray looks like it’s drying up because of what’s coming next week. The City of San Diego said it purposely drew down the reservoir because the water will need to be tested beginning next Wednesday after the annual Fourth of July fireworks over the lake. The State Division of Drinking Water wants to make sure the reservoir’s water isn’t tainted by any of the chemicals falling from the fireworks. The city pulled the water out of the reservoir ahead of the holiday because it can’t use the water while it’s being tested. A wide ribbon of dirt could be seen all around Lake Murray Thursday.

Related articles: 

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Pine Flat Dam spillway expected to release water within days
• Green Matters: Are Water Levels Dropping or Rising at Lake Berryessa?