Smith Mountain Lake’s annual Pirate Days celebration will take place entirely on land this year as the lake remains about 5 feet below its normal level, forcing organizers to adjust one of the area’s signature summer events.

Smith Mountain Lake is four feet below normal amid severe drought conditions across the state. Bedford Water is urging customers to conserve water to avoid mandatory restrictions.

The water levels at Philpott Lake are in good shape despite drought conditions continuing to affect other lakes in the region, like Smith Mountain Lake, according to the lake’s Operation Project Manager, Chris Powell.

According to the Western Virginia Water Authority, Carvin’s Cove can hold up to 6.4 billion gallons of water, but because of the drought, current levels are at 4.8 billion.

Charter captain Victor Clarke and water safety officials are urging visitors and residents to stay in marked channels and always wear a life jacket.

Appalachian Power Company is warning recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams that water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers could start rapidly rising on Sunday.