Meridian officials say the lower lake of Bonita Lakes should be full of water in three months.

Public works director Monty Jackson says the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality recently gave the city approval to being filling the lake.

The lower lake was drained in 2001 when a leak was discovered in the dam.

The leak is believed to have been caused by the roots of trees originally planted as a buffer between the lake and the adjoining Bonita Lakes Mall property. The lake is one of Meridian’s most popular attractions.

Jackson says the city plans to fill the lake halfway, then check for problems. If it looks good, he says the lake will be at full pool in time for the Fourth of July.