As dry as it is, no water use restrictions yet, so still “Moderately Dry”. Only 3 Trace readings the past 7 days. This area is still in “Severe Drought” status from both the US Drought Monitor and the S.C. Climate office. Many trees and shrubs along local roads are dry and brown; they appear totally dead. Appears that their roots just can’t reach water. Examining SC DES groundwater monitoring well data, it appears that local groundwater levels around Sumter have dropped approx 1 to almost 10 feet since early March. This may be why the dead trees. These are both pine and deciduous trees. Local non irrigated lawns are dry and brown, some with bare patches. Local swamps dry or nearly so. One pond on Wedgefield Rd is so low that the lily pads are turning yellow and brown. River birch trees in the yard are dropping yellow and brown leaves. From S.C. Forestry app, 27 wildfires across S.C.  There have been storms, but none passed over our area, so no rain. Wateree River at US 76/378 between Sumter and Columbia on Friday was low enough to show sand bars in the middle of the river. Congaree River at I-77 S of Columbia appeared about normal, but saw no boats on either river. On a Friday trip the Blue Ridge Pkwy, Looking Glass Creek along US 276 from Brevard to the Pkwy was the lowest we’ve seen it in the last 10 years. On a Saturday Poinsett State Park hike the main spillway was running very low with many rocks exposed (see photo). A small stream in the park was running, from dirt splotches it appeared that the park has had a little recent rain. But the leaf/pine needle litter was dry, with almost dry soil underneath. Mosquitos were rough in the park, same at home in Sumter. There were many occupied spider webs in the park, so hopefully this helps control the mosquitos. Many squirrels in the park. From Data Explorer: July precip: 1.63” (-1.75”/48% NOAA normal). For the year: 14.54” (-10.82”/57% NOAA normal). Last 30 days: 2.64” (NOAA normal: 9.99”). Last 90 days: 8.50” (NOAA normal: 16.70”).