by: Matt Campbell, President Lake Watch
Appeared in January 2025 issue of Lake Magazine
Lake Watch Water Quality Monitoring for Summer and Fall 2024
Lake Watch confirms excellent water quality across Lake Martin, supporting its designation as a “Treasured Alabama Lake.” Recent bacteriological testing results are posted on the Lake Watch Swim Alert web page at Lakewatch.org/swim-alert and the Alabama Water Watch statewide database at aaes.auburn.edu/alabamawaterwatch. A heartfelt thank you to Lake Watch members and volunteer monitors for their vital work for clean water in Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed.
ADEM Publishes TMDLs for Tallapoosa River Watershed
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has published Total Maximum Daily Loads for the upper Tallapoosa River, Emuckfaw Creek and High Pine Creek, tributaries to Lake Martin. These streams are identified as impaired by pathogens, specifically E. coli. The TMDLs recommend a reduction in E. coli loading by 59 percent to 96 percent to meet water quality standards. Implementation of these reductions will rely on best management practices, which will be largely voluntary. Public participation is essential for success. Local citizens and officials are encouraged to get involved and offer suggestions to improve BMPs by contacting ADEM’s Nonpoint Source Unit or the Water Division. More details on the TMDLs can be found on ADEM’s website at adem.alabama.gov.
Lake Watch Supports Preservation of Traditional Shoreline Neighborhoods
Last year, Alabama Power filed its proposed update to the Shoreline Management Plan for Lake Martin with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Many local residents, including the Homeowners Association of Lake Martin, Sandy Creek Area, Inc., have advocated for guidelines within the SMP to preserve traditional single-family shoreline neighborhoods. HOA Lake Martin is particularly concerned about unrestricted commercial and high-density residential development, which they believe would detract from the long-term planning for Lake Martin. They urge Alabama Power and FERC to restrict shoreline and lake bottom improvements related to commercial development and multi-family projects in these neighborhoods. Special protection is also requested for areas near Alabama Power’s land designated as “Natural Undeveloped.” HOA Lake Martin’s stance aligns with FERC’s priorities to protect and enhance the scenic, recreational and other environmental values of Lake Martin. Lake Watch supports these efforts to maintain a balanced approach to development and preserve the area’s traditional character.
Relicensing of Harris Dam
at Lake Wedowee Nears Completion
The relicensing process for Harris Dam at Lake Wedowee is nearing completion, with the Environmental Impact Study now filed. One key component of the relicensing is the installation of a continuous flow generating unit at the dam. This new unit will ensure a steady release of water into the Tallapoosa River, replacing a very large volume of the current pulsing discharge with a more stable flow. This improvement is expected to benefit water quality, reduce fluctuations in temperature and dissolved oxygen levels, and decrease erosion and siltation downstream. The stable flow also will support aquatic habitats and enhance recreational opportunities, including canoeing and fishing, along the river from Horseshoe Bend to Jaybird Landing, above Lake Martin. These efforts reflect collaboration between Alabama Power, FERC, the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the Alabama Rivers Alliance, with citizen stakeholders actively engaged in the process.
Lake Watch commends these initiatives that contribute to the health and sustainability of the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin. These efforts, from water quality monitoring to advocacy for shoreline preservation and sustainable water management, ensure that these vital natural resources remain protected for future generations.
Everyone who loves Lake Martin is invited to get involved in our clean water advocacy. We urge neighbors to speak and act with a common voice and to advocate to our public offices and to ADEM and FERC and Alabama Power. To join Lake Watch as a member or monitor or sponsor, visit the Lake Watch website at lakewatch.org or contact us by email at info@lakewatch.org.
Above all, get out on the waters of Lake Martin or the Tallapoosa River. It will make your heart happy!
Matt Campbell is president of Lake Watch of Lake Martin, Inc., a nonprofit all-volunteer 501(c)3 environmental organization working to protect the clean water of Lake Martin and the Tallapoosa watershed through water quality testing, public advocacy for water policy and environmental education.
