The Bedford County Public Service Authority is seeking permission to draw up to three millions of gallon of drinking water from Smith Mountain Lake.

The authority's permit allows for an average daily withdrawal of 500,000 gallons. The authority wants to increase the average amount to two million gallons per day. The peak daily withdrawal would increase from one million to three million gallons.

The authority made its request in petitions filed with Appalachian Power Co. and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Appalachian Power operates the hydroelectric dam on the Roanoke River and the federal agency licenses the dam.

Authority Director Brian Key says the increase is needed to accommodate growth in the area.