Name:	bamasam -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	5/12/2015 10:03:27 AM

For the lfe of me, I can't figure out the logic of the "rule".  The lake level startscoming down  10 (ten) days into summer.  It would appear to me that the rule could be changer to strt its descent the first day of Sept. instead of the first day of July.  Who developd this rule?  Is there someone who can explain this to me?  We live on Crooked creek and onlyhave 10 feet of water at full pool. We would love to be able to NOT have to take out the pontoon before Labor day.  Is there anyone with the answer?????

Name:	Bethsadia18 -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	5/12/2015 4:19:24 PM

If you look at the level chart. It takes several months at a gradual decent to get the lake to winter pool. If you notice the chart in 2013 the lake came up 10 feet in 3 days. This lake has so many inlets that it is very hard to control the level.

Most people do not realize that Alabama Power owns the lake and it is there for their use as they see fit.

They pull it down so low because when the heavy rains do start, they can not release water because of flooding down river. So they have to hold the water and it rises quickly.

Mo

Name:	bamasam -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	5/12/2015 8:04:15 PM

This still doesn't answer the ??? of who made up the "rule"?  Letting the water out in July has nothing to do with anything but , as you say, doing it slowly.  They can styill let the water out starting in September.

Name:	Astro -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	5/12/2015 10:10:51 PM

I believe the rule was developed by Alabama Power along with multiple federal agencies to meet generation requirements during the summer peak months, down river water flow requirements and flood control if needed.  I do know that APC has to get permission from the Government if they wish to change the rule.  Hope that helps answer your question.

Name:	bamasam -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	5/13/2015 7:03:55 PM

Thank you. t wold be nice if theywere to re-evaluate the drw down start date.  Many of us are not fortunate to live on the deep part.  Thanks again. Bama Sam 

Name:	caughtafew -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	6/6/2015 10:22:11 PM

Although the lake is used for power generation that is not the primary reason they start the draw down so early.  The main reason is to lower the temperature of the water flowing past Gorgas Steam Plant on the Warrior river just below Parish.   River Water is used for cooling the Turbine condensers at that plant since they do not have cooling towers.   The river is normally cool enough and has enough normal flow until the July timeframe and then it's necessary for Alabama Power to use Smith lakes cold water to keep the  Warrior cool enough to run the turbines efficiently at Gorgas.  Otherwise the discharge water temperature from Gorgas would be too high and cause fish kills downstream of Gorgas.    Since APCo owns the lake I think there's little chance of the rule changing unless Gorgas units 8,9 & 10 shut down.   And that won't be in our lifetime.   

Name:	bamasam -	Reply
Subject:	The "Rule"
Date:	6/6/2015 11:02:20 PM

hank you!!! That is the most intel;ligent answer I recieved.  Bamasam