Otis Singleton
Lake Lanier, a man-made reservoir in Georgia, was created by the completion of Buford Dam in 1956. The lake was built to serve multiple purposes, including flood control, providing water for Atlanta, and generating hydroelectric power. The presence of electricity in the lake has been a concern for the Lake Lanier Association (LLA), particularly when water levels are high, as electricity in the water poses a risk of electric shock drowning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for electricity in Lake Lanier | Buford Dam produces hydroelectric power |
| Year of construction | 1950-1957 |
| Purpose | Flood control, water supply, hydroelectric power source |
| Water source | Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers |
| Area | 38,000 acres (15,000 ha) or 59 sq mi (150 km2) |
| Shoreline | 692 mi (1,114 km) |
| Full pool | 1,071 ft (326 m) |
| Water usage | Public water supply, recreation |
| Number of visitors | 8 million per year |
| Number of deaths due to electricity in water | 4 (3 children and 1 adult) |
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What You'll Learn
Electric shock drowning
Lake Lanier is a reservoir in Georgia, United States, created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956. The lake was built to serve as a hydroelectric power source, a water supply, and a flood control mechanism for the region.
In 2013, four people, including three children, were killed in separate accidents involving electricity leaking into the water at marinas in Lake Lanier. This incident highlighted the dangers of electric shock drowning, particularly in freshwater bodies with docks or marinas that have electricity running to them.
To prevent electric shock drowning, it is crucial to ensure that electricity to docks or marinas is turned off at the source when not in use. This precaution can help eliminate the risk of electrical current leaking into the water and endangering swimmers or anyone immersed in the water.
It is important for swimmers and boaters to be aware of the potential risks of electric shock drowning when entering any body of water with nearby electrical sources. Educating oneself about the dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when visiting lakes or marinas.
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Buford Dam's hydroelectric power
Lake Lanier is a man-made lake in Georgia, formed by the construction of Buford Dam in 1956. The dam was built to provide a water source for the Atlanta area, power homes, and prevent flooding of the Chattahoochee River. The electricity generated by Buford Dam is marketed by the Southeastern Power Administration.
The powerhouse at Buford Dam has three generators: a small 7.5-megawatt generator that runs constantly, and two larger generators that can produce 60 megawatts each during peak demand. These generators provide 250 GWh of electricity annually to the metro Atlanta area. The power generated is delivered to Georgia Power.
The construction of Buford Dam began on March 1, 1950, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by dignitaries such as Atlanta mayor William B. Hartsfield. The dam was completed in 1957 and dedicated on October 9 of that year. The power plant went into full-scale operation in July 1958, and the lake reached its intended level on August 1.
Buford Dam is made of earth and concrete and is located at the southern end of Lake Lanier. The dam is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which also oversaw its construction. The dam harnesses the water of two rivers, the Chattahoochee and the Chestatee, which both start in the Appalachian Mountains.
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High water levels
Lake Lanier is a reservoir in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created by the completion of Buford Dam in 1956–1957, which harnesses the water of two rivers—the Chattahoochee and the Chestatee. The lake's original purpose was to serve as a hydroelectric power source, provide water for a fast-growing Atlanta, and operate as a flood control mechanism for the region.
Buford Dam produces hydroelectric power for the surrounding counties. Tubes continuously pass water through the dam at a minimum rate of 600 cubic feet per second (CFS), powering a small, 7.5-megawatt generator. During times of peak demand, water from Lake Lanier passing through Buford Dam can generate an additional 130 megawatts of power from two additional generators. The Corps of Engineers, which controls the dam, has to juggle several factors, including hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply for the region.
Lake Lanier's water levels have fluctuated over the years, with prolonged periods of low levels observed from 1998 to 2002 and 2007 to 2009. The period from 2007 to 2009 saw abnormally intense drought conditions due to a faulty lake gauge, which led to the accidental release of excess water. This drought revealed many old structures and time capsules from the past on the lake bed. The drought ended in 2009, and the lake's water level rose to exceed 1,066 feet (325 meters) in May of that year, reaching a high of 1,066.71 feet (325.13 meters) in mid-June.
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Dock owners' concerns
Lake Lanier in Georgia is a reservoir that was created by the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River in 1956. One of the primary purposes of the lake is to provide flood control of the Chattahoochee River downstream, protecting metro Atlanta. The lake also serves as a source of hydroelectric power.
The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) has expressed concerns about electricity in the water at Lake Lanier, which poses a serious danger to swimmers and dock contractors working around the lake's structures. The LLA has advised dock owners to turn off the power at their houses, but it is unclear how many have heeded this advice.
Electric shock drowning is a very real risk, caused by a low-level alternating current passing through the body while immersed in freshwater. This can lead to skeletal muscular paralysis, rendering the victim unable to swim. This type of accident has already resulted in fatalities at Lake Lanier, with four people, including three children, killed in separate incidents involving electricity leaking into the water at marinas.
With Lake Lanier's water levels above normal, many dock boxes are partially submerged, increasing the risk of electrical accidents. Even with GFCI switches on electrical outlets, electricity is still running to the dock poles.
In addition to the immediate danger to swimmers, there is also a concern for dock owners regarding potential liability issues should an accident occur involving their dock's electrical supply. With the lake attracting around eight million visitors annually, there is a significant risk of electrical accidents, particularly with so many docks and marinas in close proximity to the water.
The LLA has taken steps to address these concerns by participating in webinars on electric shock drowning prevention and sharing this information with its members. However, it remains a critical issue that requires constant vigilance and proactive safety measures to ensure the safety of both locals and visitors to Lake Lanier.
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History of Lake Lanier
Lake Lanier, officially known as Lake Sidney Lanier, is a man-made reservoir in Georgia, USA. The lake was formed in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River. The dam was constructed to harness the waters of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee rivers, both of which originate in the Appalachian Mountains.
The history of Lake Lanier dates back to the 1940s when the US government began acquiring land for the project. The construction of the lake required the purchase of 50,000 to 56,000 acres of private land, resulting in the relocation of 20 cemeteries and over 250 families and businesses. The town of Oscarville, which had a history of racial violence, was also evacuated, and its residents were forcibly expelled from Forsyth County. The total cost of creating the lake was approximately $45 million, with 56% spent on design and construction and the rest on land acquisition and relocation.
Groundbreaking for the Buford Dam began on March 1, 1950, and it took seven years of construction to complete. The dam was closed for the first time on February 1, 1956, and the lake gradually filled up over the next two and a half years. On August 1, 1958, Lake Lanier reached its full capacity of 1,067.77 feet or "full-pool" at the time. The lake encompasses 38,000 acres or 59 square miles of water and 692 miles of shoreline at normal levels.
Lake Lanier was built for several purposes, including flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The lake plays a crucial role in controlling floods in the Chattahoochee River downstream, protecting areas like metro Atlanta from flooding. It also provides water for the rapidly growing Atlanta region, serving as a public water supply for businesses and residents in surrounding counties. Additionally, the Buford Dam generates hydroelectric power for the surrounding counties, with the ability to produce an additional 130 megawatts of power during peak demand.
Over the years, Lake Lanier has experienced fluctuations in water levels, with prolonged periods of low water levels from 1998 to 2002 and 2007 to 2009. The 2007-2009 drought revealed many old structures and time capsules on the lake bed. The lake has also faced safety concerns, including electricity in the water, which has resulted in electric shock drowning incidents.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Lanier was created by the completion of the Buford Dam in 1956/1957. The dam produces hydroelectric power for surrounding counties.
The lake was originally intended to serve as a hydroelectric power source, provide water for a fast-growing Atlanta, and operate as a flood control mechanism for the region.
The Buford Dam harnesses the water of two rivers – the Chattahoochee and the Chestatee. It took seven years to complete, with construction beginning in 1950.
Lake Lanier is a man-made reservoir in the northern portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. The land that now sits at the bottom of the lake was, before the 1950s, forest and farmland. The lake's construction destroyed more than 50,000 acres of farmland and displaced over 250 families.
There have been incidents of electricity leaking into the water at marinas, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. Electric shock drowning can occur when a typically low-level alternating current passes through the body while immersed in freshwater.
