Low Reservoirs Levels to Affect Power Production, Boating

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) -- Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir levels are lower than normal due to below average spring rain and runoff.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that Hiwassee, Nottely, Normandy, Norris and Cherokee reservoirs may not reach their required summer recreation levels by June 1, affecting both summer activities and power production.

With lake levels at some reservoirs 8 feet below normal, hydroelectric generation is running 12 percent below average, TVA officials said.

"Although we had a lot of rain early in the winter, the spring months had below-normal rainfall, and it is unlikely that some reservoirs will fill to their summer water levels this year without above-normal rain over the summer," said senior vice president of river operations, John McCormick.

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