Lake Hartwell Association

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. 💙🌊

10/03/2026

The Corps of Engineers will hold its 2nd virtual meeting on October 8, 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm to discuss Hartwell Lake levels, the drought and what the new full lake level target will be once the Savannah River Basin and Hartwell Lake receive enough rain, ending the drought conditions.

To join the meeting, please click on the link below: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993339955532?p=vGnq8DVFXYOaZxpLiy

To see the full press release, please click here: https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4617634/corps-of-engineers-sets-2nd-virtual-meeting-to-discuss-hartwell-lake-levels/

Corps of Engineers sets 2nd virtual meeting to discuss Hartwell Lake levels

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District will host their 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, ending the drought conditions.

The meeting will take place virtually through a Microsoft Teams webinar Oct. 8, 2026, from 6-7:30 p.m.

To join the meeting click on the link: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993339955532p=vGnq8DVFXYOaZxpLiy.

For the full press release:
https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4617634/corps-of-engineers-sets-2nd-virtual-meeting-to-discuss-hartwell-lake-levels/

I Lake Hartwell Association I U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division I U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters

10/02/2026

🚤🌊 BOAT RAMP CLOSURES & LAKE HARTWELL SAFETY REMINDER 🌊🚤

If you’re planning to visit Lake Hartwell, be sure to check the status of your preferred boat ramp before heading out! With current lake drought conditions, some ramps may be closed or have limited access.

⚠️ Remember: An open ramp doesn’t always mean the water is safely accessible!

Even when a boat ramp is officially open, please take a moment to assess the ramp and water conditions before launching. At some ramps, the water level may not be visible beyond the end of the ramp, and the water can be much lower than where the paved or concrete ramp ends.

Before launching:
✅ Check the current ramp status
✅ Inspect the ramp and surrounding area
✅ Make sure there is enough water beyond the end of the ramp
✅ Never attempt to launch if conditions appear unsafe

Safety first! 💙

For the most up-to-date information on Lake Hartwell boat ramp closures and openings, be sure to check the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ current ramp status information before your trip by visiting

This is the official public website of the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For website corrections, write to [email protected]

10/01/2026

Can you believe today is the first day of Octoberr?! That means our Lake Hartwell Association Annual Meeting is just TWO WEEKS AWAY! 🎉

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
📍 Anderson Civic Center
🕕 Doors Open at 6:00 PM – Registration, Renewals & Vendor Walk
🕖 Meeting Begins at 7:00 PM

🎤 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be joining us to provide important updates, followed by a brief Q&A.

Not yet a member? No problem! You can still join at the event in person or by visiting our website and becoming a member before the meeting!

Already a member but still need to register? Click the link below to complete your registration!

👉 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mcpu2fm

We can’t wait to see our members, business partners, and lake community there!