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Lake Chatuge is a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina, constructed in the 1940s for flood control and utility power. The lake is a popular destination for camping, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. However, it has faced issues with pollution, including sediment and nutrient pollution, and invasive aquatic weeds. In the past, Lake Chatuge's ecological health rating has been classified as Poor, but efforts have been made to improve the water quality, including implementing measures to reduce nutrients and other pollutants and controlling invasive plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ecological health rating | Poor (1998-2006), Fair (2007-2015) |
| Phosphorus reduction | 30% reduction over 2007 levels |
| Nutrient reduction | 2,800 lbs/yr of phosphorus and 1,400 lbs/yr of nitrogen |
| Sediment loading reduction | 173 tons/yr |
| Water quality improvement measures | Repair of septic systems, stormwater management, planting of native trees and shrubs, implementation of agricultural best practices |
| Infestation | Myriophyllum aquaticum plant |
| Water level | 144 feet by the dam; varies by 10 feet from winter to summer |
| Depth | Relatively shallow, with depths of 30 feet and a maximum of 44 feet by the dam |
| Area | 7,000 acres (2,800 ha) |
| Length | 13 miles (21 km) |
| Shoreline | 128 miles of shoreline with an additional 4 miles of island shoreline |
| Watershed | 70-square-mile watershed that includes forests, farmland, livestock operations, roads, homes, and businesses |
| Pollution sources | Runoff from activities in the watershed, invasive aquatic weeds, algal blooms |
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What You'll Learn
- Lake Chatuge's watershed and surrounding area experienced explosive growth in the 1990s and early 2000s, causing its ecological health rating to drop from Good to Poor
- The Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan was implemented to improve water quality and health, resulting in a reduction of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment loading
- The Georgia Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Program funded a project that achieved a 30% reduction in phosphorus loading, improving the lake's ecological condition
- An infestation of the invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum plant is threatening Lake Chatuge, leading to plans to lower the water level in late 2027
- Lake Chatuge, a popular tourist destination, offers camping, boating, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities along with festivals and concerts throughout the year
Lake Chatuge's watershed and surrounding area experienced explosive growth in the 1990s and early 2000s, causing its ecological health rating to drop from Good to Poor
Lake Chatuge is a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina. It was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1940s for flood control and utility power. The lake is named after an 18th-century Cherokee Native American settlement, which means "beautiful" and "land where the waters meet".
The Lake Chatuge watershed and the surrounding area underwent significant growth and development in the 1990s and early 2000s. This growth included an expansion of forests, farmland, livestock operations, roads, homes, businesses, and other developed areas. The rapid expansion of human activities in the watershed led to increased runoff of pollutants into the lake, negatively impacting its ecological health. As a result, the ecological health rating assigned by TVA dropped significantly, declining by more than 25 points, from "Good" to "Poor".
In response to the declining ecological health of the lake, the former Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC), now known as MountainTrue, took action. In 2001, HRWC received funding from the Georgia legislature to investigate the causes of the declining ecological health and develop an action plan for improvement. This led to the creation of the Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan, which aimed to address the issues affecting the lake's health.
One of the critical initiatives undertaken was to work collaboratively with Towns County, Georgia, the City of Hiawassee, and various partners and private landowners. Together, they implemented measures to reduce nutrients and other pollutants in the upper half of the Lake Chatuge watershed. This included repairing failing septic systems and designing stormwater management systems for developed areas surrounding the lake. Additionally, native trees and shrubs were planted in lake and streamside riparian areas, and agricultural best management practices were introduced to farms and livestock operations. As a result of these efforts, significant reductions were achieved in the levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment loading in the lake.
The implementation of the Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan yielded positive results. Between 2007 and 2015, the average ecological health rating improved from "Poor" to "Fair", representing a notable advancement in the lake's ecological condition. This improvement is a testament to the successful collaboration and efforts of various organizations and individuals working together to protect and enhance the health and beauty of Lake Chatuge.
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The Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan was implemented to improve water quality and health, resulting in a reduction of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment loading
Lake Chatuge is a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina. It was constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in the 1940s for flood control and utility power. The lake is relatively shallow, with depths of around 30 feet (9.1 m) and a maximum depth of 144 feet (44 m) by the dam.
The Lake Chatuge watershed covers around 70 square miles, including forests, farmland, livestock operations, roads, homes, and businesses. The rapid development in this area during the 1990s and early 2000s led to a decline in the ecological health of the lake, with pollutants from runoff and invasive species affecting its water quality.
To address these issues, the Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan was implemented with the primary goal of improving water quality and ecological health. The plan focused on reducing the levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment loading in the lake, which are nutrients that contribute to pollution and ecological degradation.
One of the key measures taken was the repair of leaking and failing septic systems, as well as the design and implementation of stormwater management systems in developed areas surrounding the lake. Native trees and shrubs were planted in lake and streamside riparian areas, and agricultural best management practices were introduced to farms and livestock operations. As a result of these efforts, approximately 2,800 pounds per year of phosphorus and 1,400 lbs/yr of nitrogen were removed from Lake Chatuge, and sediment loading was reduced by 173 tons/yr.
The plan's success is evident in the improvement of Lake Chatuge's ecological health rating, which increased by 7.3 points in the nine years following the plan's publication (2007-2015). This improvement indicates a positive shift from "Poor" to "Fair" ecological health, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Watershed Action Plan in reducing pollution and enhancing the lake's overall health.
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The Georgia Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Program funded a project that achieved a 30% reduction in phosphorus loading, improving the lake's ecological condition
Lake Chatuge is a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina. The lake was formed in 1942 by the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) construction of the Chatuge Dam, which was then the highest earthen dam in the world. The lake is named after an 18th-century Cherokee Native American settlement that was once located near the dam site. The word "Chatuge" means "beautiful" and "land where the waters meet," as the lake covers the meeting place of the Hiwassee River and Shooting Creek.
The lake is relatively shallow, with a depth of 30 feet (9.1 m) and a maximum depth of 144 feet (44 m) by the dam. In an average year, the water level varies by 10 feet from winter to summer to provide seasonal flood storage. Lake Chatuge is the highest major lake in Georgia, spanning 7,000 acres (2,800 hectares) and stretching for 13 miles (21 kilometers). The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill, and brim.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Lake Chatuge watershed and surrounding area experienced rapid growth and development. This led to a decline in the ecological health of the lake, with the TVA's ecological health rating dropping by more than 25 points from "Good" to "Poor." In 2001, the former Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition (HRWC), now known as MountainTrue, received funding from the Georgia legislature to investigate the causes of the declining ecological health and develop an action plan for improving water quality.
The Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan, published by HRWC, outlined measures to reduce nutrients and other pollutants in the upper half of the lake's watershed in Towns County. With funding from various sources, including grants, HRWC worked with local governments, private landowners, and other partners to implement the plan. As a result, leaking and failing septic systems were repaired, stormwater management systems were improved, native vegetation was planted along the lake and streams, and agricultural best management practices were adopted.
One of the successful grant-funded projects was supported by the Georgia Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Pollution Program. This project achieved a significant 30% reduction in phosphorus loading in the lake, leading to a noticeable improvement in its ecological condition. The project also reduced sediment loading by 173 tons per year and removed approximately 2,800 pounds per year of phosphorus and 1,400 pounds per year of nitrogen from the lake.
In addition to these efforts, new nutrient reduction technology was installed at the City of Hiawassee wastewater treatment plant in 2016, further reducing phosphorus discharge into the lake by 25-27%. These collective actions have contributed to a notable improvement in the ecological health of Lake Chatuge, raising its rating from "Poor" to "Fair."
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An infestation of the invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum plant is threatening Lake Chatuge, leading to plans to lower the water level in late 2027
Lake Chatuge, a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina, is facing a threat to its ecological health from an invasive weed known as 'parrot feather' or Myriophyllum aquaticum. The plant was first discovered in the lake in September 2022 by TVA biologists and has since spread rapidly, particularly in the southern portion of the reservoir. Parrot feather is a non-native species that originated in South America and was introduced to the aquarium industry.
Known as one of the world's most invasive plants, parrot feather forms thick mats that choke off water life, stifle the flow of boats and swimmers, and disrupt water sports. The plant grows in about 8 to 10 feet of water, and its rapid spread has alarmed local homeowners and lake users. In addition to the environmental and aesthetic impacts, there are concerns about the potential effect on property values in the area.
In response to the infestation, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which manages Lake Chatuge, is gathering data to prepare for an environmental study. The study will determine if it is possible to treat the plant along public areas such as parks and boat ramps. However, homeowners are concerned that delaying treatment will only increase the risk to the region.
To address the infestation, TVA announced in 2025 its plans to lower Lake Chatuge's water level. Starting in late 2027, the lake's water level will be drawn down by an additional 10 feet below its low winter level. The process is expected to take place gradually over two years during the fall and winter seasons. This measure aims to control the spread of the invasive plant and protect the lake's ecosystem and water-based activities.
The health of Lake Chatuge has been a concern for several years. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the lake experienced explosive growth in the surrounding area, leading to a decline in its ecological health rating. Efforts to improve water quality and health have been ongoing, with grants and projects implemented to reduce nutrients, pollutants, and sediment loading in the watershed. These initiatives have shown positive results, with measurable improvements in the lake's ecological condition.
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Lake Chatuge, a popular tourist destination, offers camping, boating, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities along with festivals and concerts throughout the year
Lake Chatuge, nestled in the North Georgia Mountains, is a popular tourist destination offering a plethora of outdoor activities. Surrounded by rugged mountains, the lake spans the border of Georgia and North Carolina, boasting 7,000 acres of water that serve as a playground for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddle boarding. The lake is a haven for water enthusiasts, with boat rentals, sales, and repair services readily available from local businesses like Lake Chatuge Marine, celebrating 50 years in the community.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the Lake Chatuge Recreation Area offers a one-mile hiking trail through a scenic pine and hardwood forest. This relatively level loop treats hikers to views of the lake's shoreline and the towering peaks of the southern Appalachians and Blue Ridge Mountains. The trail is dog-friendly, allowing leashed canines to join their owners in exploring the natural beauty of the area. The trail also offers access to swimming spots in the lake, a perfect way to cool off during the warm summer months.
Camping is another popular activity in the Lake Chatuge area, with campgrounds like Chatuge Woods Campground and Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds offering weekly reservations for both on and off-water sites. The fairgrounds also play host to a variety of events throughout the year, including the Georgia Mountain Fair in August, as well as concerts and festivals that add to the vibrant atmosphere of the region.
While Lake Chatuge has faced ecological challenges due to nutrient pollution and invasive aquatic weeds, efforts to improve water quality have shown promising results. The Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan, implemented between 2007 and 2015, led to a measurable improvement in the lake's ecological health, and the fight against pollution and invasive species continues. As a popular tourist destination, Lake Chatuge benefits from these ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the lake and its surrounding natural wonders for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Chatuge, a man-made reservoir in Towns County, Georgia, and Clay County, North Carolina, has faced issues with pollution. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the lake's ecological health rating dropped significantly, prompting the development of the Lake Chatuge Watershed Action Plan to address pollution concerns.
Various measures have been implemented to improve water quality, including repairing septic systems, designing stormwater management systems, planting native vegetation, and adopting better agricultural practices. These efforts have resulted in a measurable improvement in the lake's ecological condition.
The lake's watershed area includes forests, farmland, livestock operations, roads, homes, and businesses. Runoff from these activities can carry pollutants into the lake. Additionally, Lake Chatuge is facing an infestation of the invasive Myriophyllum aquaticum plant, which is being addressed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
