Lake Hartwell Association works to ensure the continued protection and enhanced value of our great water resource. LHA advocates on behalf of its members in the areas of water policy, water quality, safety and state and federal regulations and keeps members current on critical issues and changes in regulations that could impact them.

Examples of the ways LHA pursues its mission:

Advocates for positive state water policy. LHA is a member of the Georgia Water Coalition and participates on the Savannah Basin Advisory Committee for the Georgia Statewide Water Planning Process. The association has taken a strong position against sacrificing our future through interbasin water transfers. LHA is a founding member of the Hartwell Area Chamber and Municipal Coalition. It has promoted the need for an interstate compact between Georgia and South Carolina to protect the long-term future of the Savannah Basin waters.

Advocates for the protection of lake water quality. LHA has actively engaged in the process to remediate PCB contamination and resulting fish consumption advisories in the lake. It has conducted independent water quality studies to verify the high quality of our waters for all lake users. Within the next year, LHA plans to kick off a Covekeeper network on the lake to identify and address water quality risks. Together with the Corps of Engineers, LHA co-sponsors the annual Hartwell Lake Clean Up Campaign and has promoted and led the effort to clean up discarded foam bead dock flotation from the shoreline.

Promotes Water and Boating Safety. The LHA staff has developed the lake navigational brochure which has been widely praised for providing a concise source of navigational and state regulatory boating information. The Safety Committee maintains a children’s life jacket loaner program at all lake marinas through a BoatUS grant program.

Advocates for sound and consistent shoreline regulation and basin management with the Corps of Engineers. The association has promoted more conservative dock loading through the revised shoreline management plan. LHA participated in the Savannah Basin Study process resulting in a revised drought plan which better protects water levels. LHA conducted an economic impact study during drought conditions, to demonstrate a business loss of over $120 million to support better water management and has lobbied federal funding for critical Corps projects, which will protect Savannah Basin water assets.

Networks with other water organizations to keep abreast of technical developments and share best practices. LHA is a member of the Georgia Lake Society, Lake and Watershed Association of South Carolina and North American Lake Management Society. LHA members have given numerous presentations and conducted workshops at Regional Water Conferences Please join Lake Hartwell Association in its mission to protect the future of this wonderful resource. Your membership in LHA will help support its ongoing efforts “for the sake of the lake.”