KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Boaters and swimmers at some dams operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority may notice that lake levels are lower than they're used to.
The TVA said below-normal rainfall and runoff led to lower-than-normal lake levels at several of its tributary dams. It also said that as water temperatures continue heating up, it will need to release more water from the dams to meet minimum flow requirements. The lakes with below-normal levels are listed below.
- Blue Ridge
- Chatuge
- Cherokee
- Douglas
- Fontana
- Hiwassee
- Normandy
- Norris
- Nottely
- Tims Ford
- South Holston
- Watauga
The TVA said it's important to meet minimum flow requirements in order to preserve water quality and to continue supplying water across the region. Water needs to flow at a certain rate to continue generating power as well, it said.
As of Aug. 21, the TVA said the region has seen 50% of the normal amount of rainfall for August. It also said it saw around 58% of the normal amount of runoff throughout 2024.
