Water Released From Canton Lake Takes Longer To Reach OKC Lakes

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- It's been about two weeks since the release of water from Canton Lake into lakes Overholser and Hefner. Oklahoma City officials said it could take up to another week for residents to see a significant difference in lake levels, which means some boats are still docked in the mud.

The east side of Lake Hefner is pretty dry. But on Canal Drive, the water flows freely.

David Patterson lives a stone's throw from Lake Hefner and sits at the lake daily. Patterson brings his granddaughters, Addison and Georgia, by Lake Hefner to skip rocks, but the lake hasn't cooperated.

"I can't go out there and boat I can't do nothing. You should have been out here the other day taking a picture when the wind was blowing the dust! It was 20-40 feet high in the air, "Patterson said.

Five billion gallons of water have been released from Canton Lake. The lakes have seen a rise just above two feet, according to Oklahoma City officials, which is just enough water for Aldo Bowen to fish.

"This is my first day since the water been running. Hopefully they will let it run another few days," Bowen said.

Overholser's level is expected to increase about four feet and Hefner's level about seven feet, according to city spokesperson Debbie Ragan.

It's been two weeks, but city officials told News 9 be patient, water is coming. Homeowners should probably still pray for rain.