WCNC

Crews are working on dry docks along Lake Wylie.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The drought gripping North and South Carolina is getting mixed reviews from area businesses.

Well drillers in upstate South Carolina say business has increased about 30 percent. They are seeing a jump in calls to repair existing wells and to dig new wells. Dock builders are also experiencing a jump in business.

“My feet would normally be in the lake right now, and full pond would be right about here,” says Dock Masters owner Perry Johnston as he holds his arm to his chest.

These days, his dock building and repair crew find themselves working on dry land often. Johnston says drilling, pounding and moving logs is easier when you're not in knee deep water.

“We're running about six crews a day,” he said. But the heat and work load makes their days tougher. “Our phone constantly rings and I've had three visits this morning already to go out and price docks, and fix docks,”

The other hot commodity in the drought: wells. Many upstate well businesses report a 30 percent surge in demand to dig new wells and repair old ones.

“Usually the deck is packed,” said T-Bones manager Heather Wright.

There's two double takes to make at the lakeside restaurant: a newly formed beach under the deck is the first.

“I don't have servers out here because it's too hot,” said Wright.

And you can pick your table, if you want to eat outside. But Wright adds, “When it's a 101 people still want to sit out here. We have all the fans blowing”.

In what looks to be a dry spell for business, Wright says, “Our numbers are still showing the same from last year.”

Johnston added, “I've lived in Lake Wylie all my life, so I'm a native.” But when we asked if he could remember going this long with no rain, he says “no, no I can't.”