In addition to an overall unappealing look, there are many tangible downsides to low water levels at Lake Lanier. They range from stress on area businesses that depend on a high volume of lake activity to lakefront home values to dangerous boating conditions to how often someone in Atlanta may water their lawn.
The record low lake levels of 2007/2008 had revealed parts of the lake bottom not seen since the 1950s, when approximately 700 families were moved from the area to create the lake. An abandoned stretch of Georgia Highway 53 ran along one edge of new shoreline, and concrete foundations from homes and part of what was once the Gainesville’s Looper Speedway were uncovered. More recent additions to the lake – including discarded trash, boat batteries and even sunken boats – were discovered, and local efforts to clean up the lake bottom were organized. Several automobiles, some stolen, and discarded firearms were also recovered by law enforcement officials.
It becomes obvious that other hazards must lurk closer to the lake’s surface than during normal conditions and consequently water sports participation takes a hit when water levels are down and those businesses that depend on a high number of summer boaters, water skiers, etc., see their revenues dwindle.
Lakefront homes languish on the market or are sold for less than anticipated due to docks stranded on dry land and the fact that what buyers there are feel they can take advantage of the situation with low-ball offers.
At severe low levels, local governments put in place outdoor water usage restrictions or complete bans on outdoor usage, which seems petty to complain about until one thinks about the businesses and employees being affected by it.
It would seem like anglers would enjoy a smaller pool to fish in, but in summer the bass still all congregate in the deepest most oxygen-rich part of the lake, the channel. If the catch does seem more impressive it’s simply because there are fewer fishermen on the lake at low levels.
At times of low water levels, the whole region seems to be either in a general state of depression or obsessed with talking about the situation.
Click to go back to main Lake Lanier Water Levels page.