Low water levels and their continuing decline still remain a major concern around one of the Upstate's largest lakes. As we previously reported, the Army Of Corps Of Engineers lowered the level of Lake Hartwell as part of a diversion plan for the Clemson Saddle Dike.
Officials have said the results may need to be studied for the next decade. Local real estate brokers say that lower water levels around Hartwell have already led to a decline in property values. One agent told our own Rob Jones that some of their clients selling on Hartwell have taken more than a hundred grand less than the property is valued at if the lake was at full water levels.
The Army Corps Of Engineers says they lowered levels to prevent erosion risks and seepage concerns for the Clemson Saddle Dike. Officials say, their are extreme potential consequences of flooding potential if the dam were to have a failure. The Corps actions come as the area has also been hit with drought conditions in recent months.
Boat ramp access has been a major issue since lowering the water levels at Hartwell as well. The Army Corps Of Engineers says, it plans to hold a public meeting to discuss the low water levels and addresses concerns from the public.
A date for that meeting has not yet been announced, as of the time of this report.
