Why is there always a water shortage near lakes and rivers?

Question

Ok so here in west TN we are having yet another water shortage. And for the life of me I don't get why its always in the same spot which is like 1 mile to 2 miles from Kentucky lake. Does anyone have any idea they could offer me?

Answer 1

The lakes in that area are created by dams. They have to do one or more functions of flood control, electric power generation, water recreation. Moreover, in that area, water demands may be levied to provide water to the Mississippi River to keep a level deep enough to allow barge travel. In a drought, it becomes harder to do all three at once. The lakes probably were not created to supply drinking water in the vicinity, and thus, the supply comes from wells, which in a drought are low.

Answer 2

It depends on where you get your water from, but basically anybody that also gets their water from that source will have a shortage too. If you get your water from Kentucky lake, then water shortages would happen as a result of long periods without rain. The sun continuously evaporates the water from the lake and dumps it elsewhere with nothing replenishing that water, so in order to try and avoid draining the lake, the government will institute a "water shortage." This could be why there are water shortages near rivers and lakes, although usually towns and cities don't get their water from the nearest water source (necessarily, in some cases it may be true, but this is not how they base where water comes from).

Answer 3

the water in paris is low is a first for me live there 40yrs must be bad.... and it comes from a well and not the river...