CAYCE, S.C. (January 15, 2026) — Dominion Energy will conduct its annual test of the Lake Murray Dam inundation siren system on Tuesday, January 20, at 1 p.m. The test will last approximately three minutes.
The annual January test includes 10 rotating sirens located along the Saluda River in Richland and Lexington counties. The sirens are part of an emergency notification system designed to alert the public in the unlikely event of an issue at the Lake Murray dam or its backup dam.
If an actual emergency were to occur, the sirens would signal residents to tune in to local radio or television stations for additional information and instructions.
“Keeping our employees and the public safe is our top priority,” said Iris Griffin, vice president of power generation for Dominion Energy South Carolina. “We conduct regular drills and continuously prepare for highly unlikely events in our safe and reliable operation of the Lake Murray dam.”
In addition to the annual test, Dominion Energy conducts a monthly, one-minute test of the sirens. These tests are required as part of the company’s operating license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Residents are reminded that the January 20 siren activation is a scheduled test and not an emergency.