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Some TVA lake levels are below normal for this time of year due to the below normal rainfall and runoff that the Valley is experiencing this summer.

Among lakes that are below normal for this time of year are South Holston, Watauga, Cherokee, Douglas, Norris, Fontana Hiwassee, Blue Ridge, Chautauqua, Nottely, Tims Ford, and Normandy Reservoirs.

A TVA spokesman, commenting on the low levels, said, “We recognize how important water levels are to the ten million people we serve in the Tennessee Valley region. TVA strives to keep as much water in the reservoirs as possible for recreation from June 1 to Labor Day each year.”

A report released by TVA said the agency releases only the minimal amount of water required by operating policy to preserve as much water as possible in reservoirs for recreational use. Minimum flow demands increase in August, and without sufficient runoff, tributary lake levels fall as the water is released and that flow supports downstream habitats, water intakes and overall reservoir health. Mainstem lakes are operated differently and not impacted as much by reduced runoff.

“Providing enough water at our 49 reservoirs for summer fun requires a balancing act,” the report stated.

The integrated reservoir system is comprised to two main components:
– 652 miles of mainstem Tennessee River – which begins in Knoxville, and ends in Kentucky Reservoir near Paducah, Ky.

– large tributary reservoirs which supplement flow into the mainstream

“The TVA River Forecast Center must maintain minimum flows across the entire system to preserve water quality; maintain aquatic life; support navigability; preserve flood storage capability; ensure there is enough water to meet industrial, municipal, and agricultural needs; cool TVA’s power plants – especially nuclear reactors, and support recreational opportunities.

So that all needs are met, TVA manages the system as a whole, and raises or lowers water levels accordingly. We are careful to ensure that one lake never bears the burden alone.

The biggest variable on the operation of the Tennessee River system are weather patterns that impact the Tennessee Valley,” the report said.

TVA closely tracks rainfall and runoff as key indicators for reservoir levels. The eastern portion of the Valley is experiencing abnormally dry conditions this summer due to the lack of rainfall.

August rainfall has been approximately 42% of normal as of Aug. 26, 2024 and runoff has lagged below normal for the entire 2024 calendar year and particularly this summer, or about 58% of normal in August.

“Although we’ve seen some sporadic rainfall coverage in the Valley, not much of this rainfall produces runoff during the summer as it is absorbed into the often dry, hot ground,” the report noted.

“TVA understands that lakeside homeowners and weekend recreation users alike can feel frustrated if lake levels are down, but we must work to balance needs across the Valley region that produce the greatest overall good for the public,” Scott Brooks of TVA Media Relations said.

Brooks noted that one of the benefits of the TVA river system is its ability to generate hydroelectricity. “Hydro makes up about 10 percent of our annual generation and is part of our diverse carbon-free portfolio on our system. With the hot weather this week, hydro is part of our reliable, resilient generation,” he wrote.

TVA operates conventional hydroelectric generating facilities at 29 of its dams. These facilities have the capacity to generate 3,538 megawatts of electricity. TVA also has a pumped storage facility, Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant, which has an installed capacity of 1,653 megawatts.