The Tennessee Valley Authority says that Normandy and Tims Ford reservoir water being released from the dams will be at an absolute minimum this summer. Water levels are currently low due to a relatively dry spring season, and, as a result, the TVA is in full conservation mode releasing only what is absolutely necessary. Officials with the agency say that Tim’s Ford is about three feet below where it should be. A spokesman for TVA says that this spring has been dry. So far this month the area is down 37% of normal amount of rainfall. TVA lead engineer Charles Chappell says that the lower-than-average water levels will not affect recreational activities. TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks, says the agency wants people to be safe and use a little extra caution this year. If you go swimming you may have some debris or some things that are exposed. Two to four feet of water makes a difference when you jump in the water. The water will continue to be released at absolute minimal levels to pacify the mandatory minimum flows required by connecting municipalities.
Agency officials say that there’s sometimes the perception when levels are a little low, people ask if the water is low why don’t you just stop? The concept of minimum flows is something that people need to understand. Brooks says on Normandy, downstream of the dam, there are four water-intakes for municipalities that need that water for drinking. Which is true of most of the TVA reservoirs. It’s not as simple as turning it off.
