SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — Due to the extreme drought, some boat owners are forced to remove their vessels from the marina on Summersville Lake before they run aground or onto the beach.

Due to the worst drought in 25 years, the lake’s water level has dropped to the point where boats moored in seasonal slips 1 through 45 must be out no later than Wednesday, August 28. Otherwise, boats could become stuck in the dock area.

“The water level is dropping and we need to get them out of there and get them to the docks or just have them brought home,” longshoreman Bill Caudill told Eyewitness News. “The port will be closely monitoring the lake’s water level and will announce if other vessels need to be checked.”

The Berry family docked a pontoon boat in the marina and left it stranded for a short time before moving it away from shore after receiving a warning.

“It had already run a little bit onto the beach, but we made it,” said boat driver Penny Berry. “I noticed it was slowly sinking.”

Due to the extreme drought, the Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of pumping water from the lake to maintain water quality downstream, which is impacting conditions earlier than usual.

Water is also taken from the lake during the whitewater season in autumn, which begins on September 6th.

“We would have started opening whitewater next Friday anyway,” said lake manager Brandy Accord. “We’re just a little early. But unfortunately it’s started to have an impact on recreational activities.”

Summersville Lake Marina will remain open with all services, including fuel, boat rentals and supplies, as long as lake conditions permit.