HINCKLEY, N.Y. -- Memorial Day Weekend is a time many swimmers, boaters, water skiers, and campers like to spend at and around Hinckley Reservoir.

"It's a get-away from the heat of being home and stuff like that. It's a getting out and about where it's quiet," said Herkimer Resident and Kayaker, Jim Yoworski.

"We've been up here for 36 years and we've always loved being here," said Dick Brough, a Hinckley Waterfront Property Owner. "We've enjoyed the lake. The lake has always been here to enjoy."

And they enjoyed it again this year, but this time, everyone was a little closer...not necessarily because of comradery, but because there was less water.

"This is the first year where it's, it's just basically nonexistent," said Brough.

Dozens gathered for a rally about the lack of water at Hinckley, Saturday.

Their message could be summed up in a couple words: Reserve more at Hinckley Reservoir.

At the rally, Assemblyman Marc Butler (R) said, "We have been patient. We have waited. We have listened to all kinds of stories about who else is at fault and why somebody else screwed up. That's done."

The reservoir is a source for drinking water, a canal system, a hydro-electric company and recreation. The Canal Corporation and Mohawk Valley Water Authority oversee operations.

With water levels more than 10 ft. below average, some have lost faith in the source's officials.

"We are being brutalized. It's a disaster. It is criminal, and we're fed up," said Waterfront Property Owner Dennis Corrigan.

Brough said, "All the kids, first thing they want to do is come down and go swimming. Well, by the time you get to where the water is there's even a more severe drop-off so it's a safety issue for us with the younger kids because of course you don't want anything to happen to them."

The low level doesn't just impact those who love the water for swimming, boating, and fishing. It also impacts those who own and pay for property on it.

"You've paid for waterfront property and you're getting mud-front property, I don't think you're getting what you paid for," said Butler.

"You pay for a lease to lease the waterfront, so you can have it. And when we pulled up here and saw the conditions of this lake, I was devastated. I really was," said Brough.

The Executive Director of the Mohawk Valley Water Authority told Time Warner Cable News recently that the low levels are mostly due to a lack of snow this past winter, and a water contract between the Canal Corporation and a hydro-electric company.

He also said the levels are safe for the drinking supply, for now.