COLEBROOK -- The lake that feeds the Farmington River is at it's lowest point in years due to extended drought conditions.
The lake, nestled near the Massachusetts border, was created in the 1950s. A bridge that had been under water since the time the dam was built now lies exposed and rusted.
Ken Schutte, who lives in the area, is concerned. "I have a well back at my house, but based on this ground water, I start praying that we get some rain."
With low water levels, forest fires become more likely, and more difficult to fight.
But, according to FOX 61 meteorologist Rachel Frank, there's no rain in sight.
Local business owners are also seeing the impact of the water levels in the Farmington River.
Owner of UpCountry Sportfishing, Grady Allen says it has a significant impact.
“Virtually everybody who lives along the river, any of the businesses along the river are the most impacted,” Allen said. “The restaurants are slower and my shop is slower because the fishing’s slower.”
A DEEP spokesperson said low flows impact recreation and stresses aquatic life which impacts fishing. These factors can all have an impact on the local economy and tourism.
