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10/3/2025
WT Staff
 Got water questions? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email us at info@wtga.us
October 3, 2025 1144 am EDT
Lake Lanier 37th Annual Shore Sweep reports a colossal success
Following up on International Coastal Clean Up Day Sept 20, 2025 activities around the USA, Lake Lanier Association (LLA) in Georgia reports another great turnout and many tons of trash removed from the lake (still counting the tons, more to follow). Hundred of volunteers spread out around the lake, collecting tons of trash and debris from an impressive area. LLA reports that many volunteers stayed on after the official Sweep day, assisting with the sorting of trash and coordinating the removal of dumpsters. LLA sends a big, "Thank you to EVERYONE that rolled up their sleeves, brought a can-do spirit and gave a little love back to Lake Lanier! We truly couldn’t do it without YOU!"
Lake Lanier is the largest reservoir in Georgia, located north of Atlanta, formed in 1950's with the construction of Buford Dam, named for Georgia musician and poet, Sidney Lanier. The dam was constructed and is managed by by US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), to provide drinking water for millions of people downstream, including 65 million gallons drawn daily for the 800,000 residents and businesses of Gwinnett County. Buford Dam stores water in Lake Lanier during the wet seasons for release in dry seasons, moderating the water supply, protecting habitat downstream from flood and drought. USACE generates power at Buford Dam, serving the region with clean, renewable energy.
Lake Lanier is refreshed continuously with the rainfall running off the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beautiful, a top destination for recreation and tourism with 68 parks and recreational sites, 10 marinas, 1200 camp sites. The fishing, swimming, boating and golf opportunities attract 8 million visitors annually.
With all of the benefits, it is important to remember, the impoundment of the Chattahoochee and Chestatee Rivers flooded a large area, around 57 square miles. According to Gwinnett County history on line, payments of $50 per acre were offered to certain land owners in the flood zone, beginning in 1948. "The government moved 250 families, 20 cemeteries, 15 businesses, and six churches to make room for the lake." Oscarville was one of the communities overtaken, see the report from a relative of an Oscarville resident, as given to 11 Alive Atlanta, here.
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