The Lake Hartwell Association works to ensure the continued protection and enhanced value of our great water resource. The Lake Hartwell clean water initiative is a key part of the LHA’s efforts as it advocates on behalf of its members in the areas of water policy, water quality, lake safety, state and federal regulations, and keeps members current on critical issues and changes in those regulations that could impact them.
How the LHA Pursues Its Mission
The Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) is a member of the Georgia Water Coalition. It also serves on the Savannah Basin Advisory Committee for Georgia’s Statewide Water Planning Process. The association strongly opposes interbasin water transfers that threaten the region’s future. LHA is a founding member of the Hartwell Area Chamber and Municipal Coalition.
Advocates for the protection of lake water quality.
The LHA has actively engaged in the process to remediate PCB contamination and resulting fish consumption advisories in the lake. It has conducted independent water quality studies to verify the high quality of our waters for all lake users. Recently, the LHA started the Covekeeper network on the lake to identify and address water quality risks. Together with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the LHA co-sponsors the annual Hartwell Lake Clean Up Campaign and has promoted and led the effort to cleanup discarded foam bead dock flotation from the shoreline.
Promotes water and boating safety.
The LHA staff has developed the lake navigational brochure which has been widely praised for providing a concise source of navigational and state regulatory boating information. The Safety Committee maintains a children’s life jacket loaner program at all lakeside marinas through a Boat US grant program.
Advocates for sound and consistent shoreline regulation and basin management.
The LHA worked with the US Army Corps of Engineers to promote conservative dock loading practices and helped revise the shoreline management plan to improve water conservation. It also participated in the Savannah Basin Study, creating a stronger drought plan to protect water levels. During drought conditions, the LHA conducted an economic impact study showing $120 million in business losses. The organization continues to lobby for federal funding to protect Savannah Basin water assets.
Networks with other water organizations.
To keep abreast of technical developments and share best practices, the LHA is a member of the Georgia Lake Society, the Lake and Watershed Association of South Carolina and the North American Lake Management Society. Various LHA members have given numerous presentations and conducted workshops at Regional Water Conferences.
Please join the Lake Hartwell Association in its mission to protect the future of this wonderful resource. Your membership in the LHA will help support its ongoing efforts “for the sake of the lake.”
