Lake Hartwell Association

11/03/2026

Thank you Congresswoman Sheri Biggs for sending the letter to the Army Corps leadership urging them to "advance a timely and effective solution."

Reports indicate that Clemson Saddle D**e is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers highest priority dam safety issue nationwide.

I sent a letter to the USACE requesting a meeting and more information regarding the issues at the Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle D**e.

Lake Hartwell is critical to our district’s tourism, recreation, and overall economy, and I will ensure the Corps gets the job done quickly and effectively.

You can read my full letter here:

https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-sheri-biggs-requests-meeting-and-clarity-usace-plans-lake

10/31/2026

The Hart County Water and Sewer Authority (HCWSA) is the latest group to join in efforts that seek support from Congress regarding the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 and the impacts of water supply from the Clemson Saddle D**e repair.

Resident and Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) board member Rhea Dignam discussed a letter, addressed to Congressman Mike Collins and signed by HCWSA interim director Charles Cawthon, asking for support. A portion of the letter addressed the authority’s request for Collins and other members of Congress to “help explain to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that issues relating to the status and repair of the Clemson Saddle D**e impact water supply.”

Read the full article in The Hartwell Sun (subscription) https://www.thehartwellsun.com/local/water-authority-latest-seek-assistance

10/17/2026

The LHA was instrumental in helping to get the message out to elected officials on the critical nature of the Clemson Saddle D**e situation. We sent letters and encouraged our members to send letters, we talked with them, and we invited them to our annual meeting so they could hear from the corps. As a result, Senator Darline Graham just announced she was able to secure the commitment from Acting Assistant Secretary Forsgren that the Clemson Saddle D**e dam is now the Army Corps’ highest priority dam safety issue in the country, and he also committed that the Dam Safety Modification Study will be included in the Army Corps’ FY2027 work plan.

This is exciting news. Thank you to all who responded to the call for action and those who attended the members’ meeting. As we’ve said, there is strength in numbers, and you showed up and out last night. We need to continue the push as this is just the beginning. 🙏

10/16/2026

Lake Hartwell Association Annual Meeting Draws Hundreds in Anderson - October 15, 2026

More than 300 people gathered at the Anderson Civic Center for the Lake Hartwell Association’s (LHA) annual members' meeting, where representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District (USACE) addressed public concerns surrounding Lake Hartwell’s water-level restrictions and ongoing dam safety issues.

The meeting provided lake residents, property owners, business owners and elected officials an opportunity to hear directly from Corps representatives and ask questions about the restrictions, proposed repairs and the potential long-term impact on communities surrounding the lake.

Why the Water Level Is Restricted - USACE has established a temporary normal full-pool target of 656 feet above sea level, four feet below the lake’s previous summer full-pool level of 660 feet. The restriction stems from concerns involving seepage and internal erosion at the Clemson Saddle D**e, an earthen structure near Clemson University. The Corps has described the lower operating level as an interim safety measure while engineers evaluate permanent repairs. The repair process could take five to ten years, depending on engineering studies, congressional authorization, federal funding and construction requirements.

Drought vs. Water Level Restrictions - Corps officials have previously explained that ongoing drought conditions are a major factor in Lake Hartwell’s current low water levels. However, the newly established restriction means that even when rainfall returns and the lake recovers, its normal full-pool target will remain at 656 feet rather than the previous summer level of 660 feet until the restriction is changed.

Questions surrounding repair timelines, federal funding, public safety, property access, recreational boating and the economic impact on lake-dependent businesses remain central concerns for communities on both sides of the Georgia–South Carolina border. Elected officials encouraged residents to contact their state and federal representatives to seek further attention and action.

What Happens Next? - The Corps must continue evaluating potential engineering solutions and the steps necessary to address the saddle dike’s safety concerns. No confirmed completion date for permanent repairs has been established. The meeting was recorded and will be available on the LHA website.

Reporting and 📸’s: Reed Oliver | Hartwell Lake News | Tamyra Hyatt LHA board
IG:

10/14/2026

The recording of the second virtual meeting is now available. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District hosted the second public meeting to discuss the drought and what the new full lake level target will be once the Savannah River Basin and Hartwell Lake receive enough rain. Once the lake rises to the newly established 656-foot Mean Sea Level (MSL) full lake target level, the lake level restriction will remain in place until a long-term engineering solution is designed and built to resolve flood risks associated with a seepage deterioration path identified at the Clemson Saddle D**e. **Reminder: the LHA annual members' meeting is Thursday at the Anderson Civic Center. Arrive early to check on your membership status and to submit your questions for the corps Q&A.** Watch the corps video at https://youtu.be/rZkuCXUmh2k?si=Khdmw_03cXqQ0Q-x

10/13/2026

🌊 REMINDER: LHA ANNUAL MEETING THIS THURSDAY!

We look forward to seeing all of our members at the Lake Hartwell Association's Annual Meeting!

📍 Anderson County Civic Center
📅 Thursday, October 15th
🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Meeting Begins: 7:00 PM

📣 Important Reminders:
-This is a Members Only event! Not a member yet? Join online before Thursday if possible! If you plan to sign up at the meeting, you MUST be registered by 6:30 PM.
- A clear bag policy and security checkpoint will be enforced.
- USACE will host a Q&A following their presentation. Be sure to sign up BEFORE 7:00 PM if you'd like to ask a question!

We can't wait to see you there!

💙 For the Sake of the Lake!

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDERS – LHA ANNUAL MEETING NEXT WEEK! 🌊

As we prepare for next week's Annual Meeting, please take a moment to review these important reminders to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone!

🔹 MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Our Annual Meeting is exclusively for LHA members! If you haven't joined yet, we encourage you to visit our website and become a member BEFORE the event. ⏰Please Note: New member sign-ups will ONLY be accepted at the event until 6:30 PM. We strongly encourage you to join online ahead of time to avoid any delays!

🔹 SECURITY CHECKPOINT & CLEAR BAG POLICY
The Anderson County Civic Center has a security checkpoint at the entrance, and a CLEAR BAG POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED. 🚨Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for entry.

🔹 USACE PRESENTATION & Q&A SESSION
We are pleased to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) joining us to provide updates and answer questions about Lake Hartwell! Following their presentation, USACE will participate in a Q&A session. If you would like the opportunity to ask a question, please keep the following in mind:
✅ You MUST sign up on the Q&A list during the registration period to be considered.
✅ Q&A sign-ups close promptly at 7:00 PM.
✅ Each participant will have 2 minutes at the podium to ask their question.
✅ We will accommodate as many questions as time allows.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
📍 Anderson County Civic Center
🕡 Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Meeting Begins: 7:00 PM

We look forward to seeing our members for an evening of valuable updates, important discussions, and continued advocacy for Lake Hartwell!

💙 For the Sake of the Lake! 🌊

10/09/2026

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDERS – LHA ANNUAL MEETING NEXT WEEK! 🌊

As we prepare for next week's Annual Meeting, please take a moment to review these important reminders to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for everyone!

🔹 MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
Our Annual Meeting is exclusively for LHA members! If you haven't joined yet, we encourage you to visit our website and become a member BEFORE the event. ⏰Please Note: New member sign-ups will ONLY be accepted at the event until 6:30 PM. We strongly encourage you to join online ahead of time to avoid any delays!

🔹 SECURITY CHECKPOINT & CLEAR BAG POLICY
The Anderson County Civic Center has a security checkpoint at the entrance, and a CLEAR BAG POLICY WILL BE ENFORCED. 🚨Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for entry.

🔹 USACE PRESENTATION & Q&A SESSION
We are pleased to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) joining us to provide updates and answer questions about Lake Hartwell! Following their presentation, USACE will participate in a Q&A session. If you would like the opportunity to ask a question, please keep the following in mind:
✅ You MUST sign up on the Q&A list during the registration period to be considered.
✅ Q&A sign-ups close promptly at 7:00 PM.
✅ Each participant will have 2 minutes at the podium to ask their question.
✅ We will accommodate as many questions as time allows.

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
📍 Anderson County Civic Center
🕡 Doors Open: 6:00 PM | Meeting Begins: 7:00 PM

We look forward to seeing our members for an evening of valuable updates, important discussions, and continued advocacy for Lake Hartwell!

💙 For the Sake of the Lake! 🌊

10/05/2026

🚨 WITNESS A HAZARDOUS WASTE SPILL INTO LAKE HARTWELL? HERE’S WHAT TO DO. 🚨

If you witness a hazardous waste, chemical, or oil spill entering Lake Hartwell, it’s important to report it quickly and safely.

📞 1. CALL 9-1-1 FIRST
If there is an immediate threat to people, property, or public safety, call 911 and provide the location and details of the spill.

🌿 2. CONTACT DNR

SCDNR: (800) 922-5431
GADNR: (770) 918-6408

💧 3. REPORT THE SPILL TO THE APPROPRIATE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCY

South Carolina:
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)
📞 24-hour response line: 1-888-481-0125
SCDES asks that suspected or witnessed oil, petroleum, chemical, or hazardous-material releases be reported to this number.

Georgia:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
📞 24-hour emergency response: 1-800-241-4113
Georgia EPD uses this number to report environmental emergencies, including spills and chemical releases.

⚠️ DO NOT put yourself at risk to investigate or contain a spill. Stay a safe distance away and, if possible, note the location, time, type of material, source of the spill, and any visible impacts to the water.

Quick reporting can help emergency and environmental agencies respond appropriately and protect Lake Hartwell, its wildlife, and the communities that depend on it. 💙🌊