Lake Level Drawdown to Commence Soon

Owners advised to begin permitting and contracting process

Every winter, Alabama Power Company brings the lake level down gradually to what locals call “winter pool level.” This year, the drawdown will begin on October 15, instead of September 1, due to the abundant summer rainfall. While this provided an extended boating season, it shortened the waterfront construction and maintenance season.

Local contractors who specialize in seawalls, piers, dredging, and shoreline landscape projects are gearing up for the busy season. According to the Power Company’s operating license, the lake level will be lowered seven feet from full-pool level. This is a gradual process that is complete by mid-December and is maintained, as rainfall permits, at that level until late February. That is a very short window for contractors to get on the lakebed to dredge, drive pilings, build seawalls, place rock, and many other tasks that can best be handled with lower lake levels.

Contractors cannot commence this work without receiving multiple approvals from the owner, architectural review committees, and Alabama Power. Reputable contractors work with owners to create the designs that are needed to both visualize the waterfront improvement and and to provide necessary approval submittals.

Our advice is that you reach out to local contractors right away to get in their work queue and to call Alabama Power’s local office at 256.825.0053 or go online here https://apcshorelines.com/permits/ to start the permitting process.

Start soon—the lake and temperatures will be up again before you know it!