Prolonged drought conditions are taking a toll on Kansas reservoirs as water levels decline and abundant rains remain elusive.

Earl Lewis, assistant director of the Kansas Water Office, told the Joint Committee on Energy and Environment on Tuesday there is reason to be concerned about the water levels and the impact on communities and recreational use into 2012.

Lewis said one lake of particular concern is John Redmond Reservoir, which is used as a source of water for the Wolf Creek nuclear plant in eastern Kansas. The reservoir is about 54% of its conservation pool level, and that could decline to 34% by mid-November.

The lake usually recharges each spring, but Lewis says continued drought through early 2012 could raise concerns about use next summer and fall.