Lake Lanier is facing the most serious threat to its existence since it was opened and filled 50 + years ago. The current drought that has plagued Georgia for the past two years threatens to create a major economic and survival problem for North Georgia. Current projections indicate that Lanier, already 12+ feet below normal pool, will drop another 12 to 20 feet by the end of this year. This would bring the Lake down to a level where recreation would be curtailed, many docks would be on solid ground, and the strong economic engine, $5.5 billion, generated by Lanier would become stagnant, causing many businesses to slow down or close entirely.

These problems are significant, but even more problematic would be the affect on the drinking water supply for 4-5 million Georgians. Lanier provides the drinking water for Atlanta and North Georgia , and if the Lake falls below 1035 feet above sea level, the outflow at Buford dam will almost stop, halting drinking water for most municipalities below the dam.

The major cause of this crisis situation is the drought. However, prudent management of the water releases from Lanier would ameliorate the drastic drawdown of Lanier. The US Army Corps of Engineers regulates the Lanier water, and currently they release 2 to 10 times as much water as flows into Lanier. This is contra to the Corps strategy in past droughts, where releases were kept to a minimum in order to protect drinking water for Georgia. This year the extraordinary releases are purported to be to satisfy water requirements for 2 mussels that are on the endangered species list. We are convinced that Georgia citizens are far more valuable than potentially endangered mussels in Florida.

We ask that you support a "grass roots" campaign to have Georgia officials take the concerns of Lake Lanier to the Department of the Army. We need a prudent evaluation of the Lanier releases, with the intent of preserving our drinking water and the health of one of our most precious resources, Lake Lanier . Please send an email and a personal letter or note to our elected officials, encouraging them to follow up with the Department of the Army and the Corps of Engineeers to reduce the outlandish releases from Lanier.

Email/letter along with appropriate politician addresses is included in this package.

Thank you for your continued support of Lake Lanier.

Learn more about the water quality issues facing Lake Lanier.