Despite dropping water levels at a number of lakes across central Alabama due to a heavy summer drought, officials say the levels at Lay Lake have remained relatively normal.

Alabama Power spokesperson Michael Sznajderman said Lay Lake has seen level variances of around four inches, while other lakes in central Alabama have gone as low as 14.7 feet below their average water level.

Sznajerdman said consistent levels at Lay, which is part of Alabama Power&8217;s Coosa River reservoir system, are a result of the way the lake is managed.

&8220;Lay is what we call a &8216;run of the river&8217; lake,&8221; Sznajerdman said. &8220;We use storage facilities and Lay Dam to help with flood control on the lake and making sure water levels remain constant.&8221;

Sznajerdman says the lake levels can be controlled to maintain Lay&8217;s water, wildlife habitation and recreational qualities.

&8220;Lay is known as a great place for wildlife and recreation,&8221; he said. &8220;The levels tend to remain the same there year around, making Lay a great place for people to come to.&8221;

Lay&8217;s water levels average around 360 feet annually, Sznajerdam said.

Other lakes in central Alabama that have been affected by drought conditions include Weiss, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Harris, Martin and Smith.

At over 14 feet below the average water levels, Smith Lake has seen the worst of the summer drought.

Sznajerdman said while he foresees lake levels continuing to drop during the dry September and October months, Lay&8217;s water will remain mostly the same.

&8220;Residents shouldn&8217;t notice any difference,&8221; he said