Lake Hartwell Association

09/02/2026

Several of our LHA board members are meeting today with the Army Corps. We'll provide a summary from their discussion. And a reminder, we'll post information about the Army Corps planned info sessions, and our members' annual meeting is Oct 15 at the Anderson Civic Center starting at 6:30pm.

Thank you Phillip Bowers, S.C. State House of Representatives District 3, for his report on the situation. "After several hours, it became clear just how complex the issue really is. When I originally heard about it, and the estimated 10 years to return to full pond, I found that hard to believe, but now I better understand the magnitude of the problem and complexity of a solution (yet to be determined)."

Contact your elected representatives and appeal to them that while safety is the most important factor, the new lake level restrictions impose a hardship on everyone who uses Lake Hartwell. While these measures are necessary in order to minimize the risk to those who are protected by the d**e, ask that they lend their voice and assistance to safely minimize the duration of the lake level restrictions. Find how to contact your representatives at https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

09/01/2026

A message from Terry Jackson, President of LHA:

When LHA shared the news from the Army Corps last week about lake level restrictions, the comments ranged from outrage, frustration, and call for lawsuits to “this is nothing new,” flex tape 😊, a petition, and fishing humor.

We are not unsympathetic to the issues we will all be facing. LHA is here to serve as a liaison with the Army Corps and the community to provide perspective and be a voice of reason as we learn more.

- A letter has been sent to elected officials in GA and SC voicing concern and seeking assistance to safely minimize the duration of the lake level restrictions.
- We are compiling questions from the community and creating an FAQ.
- The LHA board was invited to meet with the Army Corps and will be one of the first groups to have a sit-down session with them since the announcement.

There are a lot of unknowns, and we need to keep a balanced perspective. Yes, it is bad, but panic isn’t going to help. Let’s focus on moving forward.
We encourage you to attend the corps information sessions (dates to be announced) and the LHA annual meeting on October 15, which will be a members only event. The agenda includes a speaker from the corps who will be taking questions. Submit questions in advance to [email protected]. You can also send questions directly to USACE at [email protected].

Other helpful links are included below:

https://news.clemson.edu/us-army-corps-of-engineers-clemson-working-together-to-reinforce-clemson-dams/
https://clemson.world/archive/landmarks-legends-winter-2021/
https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Missions/Hartwell-Dam-and-Lake/Hartwell-Lake-Level-Restrictions/

08/26/2026

⚓️Army Corps of Engineers to Maintain Lake Level Restrictions at Hartwell Lake 🛥️

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Savannah District announced today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, that to help protect surrounding communities they will maintain lake level restrictions at Hartwell Lake until a long-term engineering solution is built to resolve flood risks from seepage deterioration identified at Clemson Lower Diversion Dam Saddle D**e.

There is no immediate danger to the public. However, during a recent USACE Dam Safety Program evaluation, several required actions were identified, including the lake level restrictions, which are necessary until a permanent solution can be developed and implemented to reduce stress on the d**e.

To keep the public informed, the Savannah District will host two virtual public meetings to discuss the engineering findings and answer questions. Details will be announced.

Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) leadership has been in contact with representatives from the Army Corps about the situation. 🤝We will keep you informed as we learn more. We encourage members to attend the annual meeting on October 15, 2026, at 6:30pm at the Anderson Civic Center. A representative from USACE will be on hand to answer questions.

Read the full press release here: https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4583133/army-corps-of-engineers-to-maintain-lake-level-restrictions-at-hartwell-lake/

08/25/2026

Lake Hartwell Association would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us recently at Tilly's for our LHA Summer Meet & Greet! We had a great turnout and truly appreciate everyone that came out to connect, learn, and support the Lake Hartwell Association. 💙

A special thank you to the Georgia DNR representatives who attended the event. 🤝We greatly appreciate them taking the time to answer the many questions from those in attendance and provide valuable insight and information.

We would also like to thank and welcome all of the new members who joined LHA for the first time—we're so glad to have you as part of our lake community, and thank all of the existig members that continue to support LHA.

Lastly, THANK YOU to our raffle/snack sponsors:
- Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill
- Guthrie's Chicken
- Jill Chapman Realtor

Events like these are a wonderful opportunity to bring together the people who care about Lake Hartwell, share important information, and strengthen our lake community. Be on the lookout for details on our Annual Meeting this October!

💙 For the sake of the lake!

08/13/2026

🌊☀️ TODAY’S THE DAY! ☀️🌊

We’re excited to see our Lake Hartwell Association members, friends, and fellow lake enthusiasts TODAY at our Summer Meet & Greet! 💙💚

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Tilly’s Tiki Bar & Grill at Harbor Light Marina
1476 Harbor Light Marina Road, Lavonia, GA 30553

Come enjoy an evening by the lake, meet fellow LHA supporters, connect with our community, and learn more about what’s happening on Lake Hartwell.

🎣 DNR representatives will be present to answer questions and provide updates and insight on topics important to our lake.

Members and non-members are welcome! Bring a friend, neighbor, or fellow lake lover and join us!

Come meet. Connect. Learn. Support our lake.

🌊 LHA MEMBERS — THIS THURSDAY! Summer Meet & Greet ☀️

It’s almost time to get together, catch up with fellow Lake Hartwell enthusiasts, and enjoy an evening by the lake! We’ll also have DNR representatives on hand to answer questions and provide updates and insight about issues important to Lake Hartwell.

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill at Harbor Light Marina
1476 Harbor Light Marina Road
Lavonia, GA 30553

🤝 Members & non-members are welcome! Bring a friend, neighbor, or fellow lake lover and come enjoy the evening with us.

Come meet, connect, learn, and support our lake and our community! 🌊💙💚

We look forward to seeing you there...for th sake of the lake!

08/11/2026

🌊 LHA MEMBERS — THIS THURSDAY! Summer Meet & Greet ☀️

It’s almost time to get together, catch up with fellow Lake Hartwell enthusiasts, and enjoy an evening by the lake! We’ll also have DNR representatives on hand to answer questions and provide updates and insight about issues important to Lake Hartwell.

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill at Harbor Light Marina
1476 Harbor Light Marina Road
Lavonia, GA 30553

🤝 Members & non-members are welcome! Bring a friend, neighbor, or fellow lake lover and come enjoy the evening with us.

Come meet, connect, learn, and support our lake and our community! 🌊💙💚

We look forward to seeing you there...for th sake of the lake!

08/07/2026

💧 Understanding the SCDES Algae Bloom Monitoring Map 💧

Have you noticed a "Reported HAB Sighting" on the SCDES map and wondered what happens next? Here's how the process works:

🔹 Reported Sighting: When a potential algae bloom is reported by the public, SCDES adds the location to its online map as a reported sighting. This simply means a report has been received—it has not yet been verified.
🔹 Investigation: As quickly as staff and resources allow, SCDES visits the location to visually assess whether a bloom is actually present.
🔹 If No Bloom Is Found: The reported sighting is removed from the map.
🔹 If a Bloom Is Present: Samples are collected and analyzed to determine the type of algae and whether cyanotoxin levels exceed recreational guidelines.
🔹 Final Outcome:
✅ If the bloom is determined to be non-harmful, the reported sighting is removed from the map.
⚠️ If testing confirms a harmful algal bloom (HAB) or toxin levels warrant concern, SCDES will update the map and public with the appropriate advisory (Watch or Warning).

It's important to remember that not every reported sighting becomes a harmful algal bloom. Reported sightings are simply the first step in the investigation process.

The Lake Hartwell Association encourages everyone to stay informed by checking the official SCDES HAB map for the latest verified updates and to avoid sharing unverified information that may cause unnecessary concern.

Thank you to SC Department of Environmental Services for their continued monitoring and commitment to protecting the health of Lake Hartwell and its visitors.

For more information, visit: https://www.des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-water/aquatic-science/harmful-algal-blooms

08/07/2026

Did you know that August is National Water Quality Month?

Here are a few simple ways you can help:
🌊 Properly dispose of trash and recycling—never leave it behind on the lake or shoreline.
🚤 Fuel your boat carefully and clean up any spills immediately.
🐟 Respect wildlife and help protect natural shorelines.
🌱 Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides near the water.
🛥️ Secure loose items that could blow into the lake.
♻️ Join local cleanup efforts and encourage others to do the same - be sure to join us for our Fall Splash the Trash!

Together, we can preserve Lake Hartwell's water quality for boating, fishing, swimming, wildlife, and everyone who calls this incredible lake home.

Thank you for doing your part to protect Lake Hartwell—because every drop matters.

Everyday activities around our homes can affect local water quality—especially when rain washes pollutants into nearby streams, rivers and lakes. This type of pollution, known as nonpoint source pollution, often comes from things like yard runoff, leaking vehicles or improper disposal of household chemicals.

Small actions can make a big difference. Simple steps such as maintaining septic systems, using lawn chemicals responsibly and keeping litter and pet waste out of storm drains help protect water resources like Lake Hartwell. Taking care of streamside areas and erosion-prone spots on your property also helps keep soil and pollutants from washing into waterways that flow to Lake Hartwell.

Visit the National Water Quality Month Webpage for more information.

For more “Good to Know” Tips, visit SCDES Good to Know: Tips for a Healthy Environment and Home Webpage.

08/04/2026

🌊 Don't Miss Our Summer Meet & Greet! ☀️

Join the Lake Hartwell Association next Thursday, August 13, from 5:00–6:30 PM at Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill at Harbor Light Marina for an evening of great conversation, lake updates, and community connections!

⭐ Special Guest: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR)! Representatives from GA DNR will be joining us to provide updates and insights on Lake Hartwell and answer your questions. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from the experts and learn more about the issues impacting our lake.

📅 Thursday, August 13, 2026
🕔 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Tilly's Tiki Bar & Grill at Harbor Light Marina
1476 Harbor Light Marina Road
Lavonia, GA 30553

Whether you're from Georgia or South Carolina, this event is open to members and non-members alike. If you've been thinking about joining the Lake Hartwell Association, this is the perfect opportunity—you can become a member at the event!

Bring a friend, meet your neighbors, and join us for a great evening celebrating and supporting Lake Hartwell. We look forward to seeing you there!

07/30/2026

🌊 Only 3 Weeks Until Our Summer Meet & Greet! 🌊

The countdown is on! Join the Lake Hartwell Association for our Summer Meet & Greet on Wednesday, August 13th at Tilly’s Tiki Bar and Grill!

Whether you're a longtime member, new to Lake Hartwell, or simply interested in learning more about the work LHA is doing to protect and preserve our lake, we'd love to have you join us.

This event is open to everyone—members and non-members from both Georgia and South Carolina are encouraged to attend. It's a great opportunity to meet fellow lake enthusiasts, connect with LHA leadership, learn about current lake issues, and enjoy an evening of great conversation.

Not a member yet? No problem! You can join the Lake Hartwell Association at the event and become part of the voice advocating for Lake Hartwell.

📅 Wednesday, August 13th
📍 Tilly's Tiki Bar and Grill - 1476 Harbor Lights Marina Road, Lavonia, GA
🕠 5:00PM – 6:30PM

Bring a friend, bring your questions, and come see what LHA is all about. We can't wait to see you there!