Lake Levels Result Of Deficit Of Rain, Not TVA Pull Down

Local lake levels appear to be dropping and, as the last large lake recreation days approach, some are concerned that Labor Day boating could be shallow. TVA Representative Hopson stated that TVA is maintaining its commitment to keeping water levels up until after the Labor Day weekend. He contributed the seemingly low levels to a comparison with last year’s higher levels, combined with a deficit of rain during the summer season. Hopson said that TVA has a band of water level that it considers normal and, while this year is certainly not on the high end of the band, it is still within the normal range. Last year, locals enjoyed waters that were on the high end of the band, making this year look shallow in comparison.

Hopson expects that TVA will begin to draw the lake levels down in earnest after September 1, 2014 and maintains that there is not an active drawdown in effect at the present time. While there is a constant adjustment to water levels and there is some spillage occurring due to a recent incident at Douglas Dam, Hopson contends that it is Mother Nature, not TVA, that is driving the more shallow waters of the 2014 boating season. Lake watchers should expect to see reservoir levels dip a bit more, as Labor Day approaches. Meshing regular dam activity with a dry summer could mean fewer craft on the local lakes, following summer’s last hurrah.