TVA Reservoirs, Recreation Areas Open for Summer Recreation

May 19, 2009

TVA campgrounds, day-use areas and boat launching ramps are open for the summer and in view of recent rainfall across the Tennessee Valley, most TVA reservoirs are expected to reach their summer target levels by June 1.

The Watts Bar Reservoir, reservoirs downstream from Watts Bar, and reservoirs above the Kingston ash spill continue to be available for use as in past years. Campgrounds, summer camps, water-use facilities and other recreation-related facilities also are available as usual.

In view of extended drought conditions across the Valley, TVA had been holding back water on its tributary reservoirs to help them fill for the recreation season.

“Rainfall since the beginning of the year has greatly helped relieve drought conditions that have existed since 2007,” said TVA Land and Water Stewardship Vice President Ron Williams. “The rain we’ve had will make water-based summer recreational activities much more accessible than they have been the past two years.”

During April TVA performed sport-fish surveys to evaluate age, weight, general health and the abundance of species such as crappie and bass in individual reservoirs.

“These surveys help anglers learn where the best fishing might be and help TVA learn how well fish are faring in the reservoir system,” Williams said. “Results of those surveys can be found on the TVA website.”

For a full listing of reservoir opportunities across the Tennessee Valley, and survey findings go to www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom