09/25/2026
PSA
💧LOW LAKE LEVELS: A RESULT OF LOW INFLOWS 💧
Many lake residents have noticed that water levels on Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair are lower than normal. These conditions are a result of ongoing below-normal rainfall across our region and resulting low inflows into Lakes Oconee and Sinclair. Georgia EPD declared a Level 1 drought on April 27, 2026 for the entire state and you should have received notifications from your water utility regarding restricted water usage requirements.
When rainfall is limited, less water flows into the lakes and surrounding watershed. As dry conditions continue, lake levels can remain lower than we typically see this time of year.
Lower lake levels can affect boating, recreation, and shoreline areas. Please use extra caution when navigating and be mindful of shallow areas and underwater hazards.
At this time, the dams are releasing only the minimum flow requirements downstream of the dams that ensure flows adequate for aquatic life and water needs for downstream communities. These releases are required by the FERC license. When higher inflows become available, the hydro plants will attempt to refill the lakes, while still meeting the minimum downstream flow requirements.
For more information, please visit the links below:
https://epd.georgia.gov/watershed.../drought-management
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring.../USGS-02223000/...
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