TVA says lakes are open despite water levels being extremely low

Added: 2026-05-17

[00:00:00]Georgia area have been extremely busy with all of these races and local three Sierra Rucker shares some things to know if you plan on getting out on the lake or the river.

[00:00:10]This is the lowest water levels TVA has seen since 1986 around this time of year. So, if you're heading out to boat, fish, or swim, TVA is urging you to use caution. The lakes are open and available for people to get out and to enjoy. They're just going to look a little different than they're used to for this time of year. People heading out to the waters will see more shoreline raising safety concerns. Gwen is encouraging people to be aware of their surroundings. People need to remember as they're out boating, they could come upon shoals or sandbars, stumps. The people need to be take that extra precaution and be aware of their surroundings and their water depths. The culprit is Mother Nature. Because of the extreme drought conditions we've experienced across the Tennessee Valley since February. We've been watching this all winter long and even in in February we started realizing we're in drought conditions. We're only releasing minimum amounts to maintain the water quality, navigation, and ensure that we can do that throughout the summer. TVA says some areas need up to 20 inches of rain to get water levels back to where they need to be with water levels at Chickamauga and Watts Bar dams at 3 and 1/2 feet low. Many people might have trouble getting their boats back onto their lifts, those types of things.

[00:01:25]Lake levels, a little bit more shoreline until uh if Mother Nature provides that extra rainfall and we can get those lakes up. But, uh until then, just get out and enjoy it. Just be careful. A reminder, lakes and rivers are open for the public to enjoy. You can view water levels before you head out by going to the TVA's website.

[00:01:44]Reporting in Chattanooga for Local 3 News, I'm Sierra Rucker.