The Corps operates Hartwell and the other two Savannah Lakes (Russell and Thurmond) per the Drought Contingency Plan once a drought level 1 condition is reached (656MSL for Hartwell summer pool). The purpose of the drought plan is to conserve water resources in the lakes, while providing flows necessary to protect the drinking water, commercial and environmental needs of the lower basin. A revised drought plan was put in effect several years ago with the consensus of  both states, federal agencies and Savannah Basin stakeholders. The main revision in the plan called for flow reductions at drought level 1 versus the old plan that did not call for any mitigation until level 2.

SAVANNAH, GA. --The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has scheduled maintenance at two recreation areas managed by the Hartwell Project Office. Beginning on Monday, August 11, the Fairplay Recreation Area in Oconee County, South Carolina, will close to perform maintenance on the parking areas for about 10 days. Weather permitting and barring any unforeseen delays, work should be completed and the park re-opened by Friday, August 22.

Shoreline stabilization work at the Singing Pines Recreation Area in Anderson County will begin on Monday, August 19. The park will remain open during this work, however, a small section of road within the park near Shelter No. 1, may be blocked. Work should be completed by Friday, August 29.

Boaters displaced during the temporary closure of Fairplay are encouraged to use nearby ramps to launch. However, due to the current low water conditions, several ramps on Hartwell Lake are unusable. Corps officials remind the public to check for updated list of ramps available before coming. Contact the Hartwell Project Office for the latest information by calling toll free at 1-888-893-0678, or visit their website at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell .

The US Army Corps of Engineers’s Watsadler campground at Lake Hartwell was ranked one of the 100 best campgrounds in the nation by ReserveAmerica. Watsadler Campground in Georgia was among the honored for the second-straight year in ReserveAmerica’s annual “America’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds” list. Watsadler, which has 51 camp sites, was awarded based on criteria requested by family campers, including amenities, scenery, educational facilities, and that are located within 100 miles of metro locations. Read more...

This article was publishing on April 3, 2008, in the Anderson Independent Mail. It was written by Edward J. Kertis, Commander of the Corps of Engineers, Savannah River System.

As the commander of the organization responsible for the Savannah River System, I carefully gauge the public’s understanding of our management of the reservoirs on the upper river. I often read statements perpetuating the belief that hydropower production is the sole purpose for the reservoirs. Let me lay that myth to rest. The reservoirs have multiple purposes: flood damage reduction, recreation, water quality and water supply, downstream navigation, environmental stewardship, fish and wildlife management and hydropower production. Read more.

The following article appeared in the April 1, 2008 edition of the Anderson Independent Mail and is re-printed with approval of the author. Juan Brown is a retired physician and past chairman of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce Water Resource Committee and the chamber’s Executive Committee, past chairman of the Anderson Art Council and the Anderson County Economic Development Advisory Board. Read more.

The Georgia Water Plan was approved by the Georgia General Assembly on January 18. Georgia has many of the same management programs and processes that South Carolina had before they decided they needed to have a more comprehensive and integrated plan developed to guide them in water use as they move forward. While the Lake Hartwell Association may not totally agree with all the final policies and practices it contains it is considered a major improvement over what Georgia had. If you would like to see the final Georgia water plan please click here.

Southeastern lakes are distinct in ways both limnological and cultural. This article focuses on the limnological distinctions of Southeastern reservoirs (man-made impoundments). Please read more.

Drought continues to plague the upper Savannah River basin causing water levels at the Corps of Engineers reservoirs there to continue to recede.  Hydrologists with the Savannah District announced today that water levels at Lakes Hartwell and Thurmond reached the second drought trigger level yesterday afternoon.

The LHA Board receives frequent questions regarding various water issues. With the current drought situation, this topic has of course taken the forefront. This article provides an overview of several water issues that may be of interest.

The EPA 5 year review of the Sangamo/12-mile Creek/ Hartwell Lake Superfund Site is now available.  Also, read more about the PCB source study and settlement plan.

Related Documents are available for download.