Savannah River Experience Low Levels: What Causes This?
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Recent measurements highlight a significant dip in the levels of Augusta’s local waterways, notably the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River. Despite the recent rainfall, the river level stands at a mere 103 feet. This drop is concerning for local businesses and residents alike.
Impacts on Local Businesses
Local business owner Greg LaBelle, proprietor of Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals, notes the significant ramifications of the reduced water level. “I’ve lived in the area for 11 years and had the business for four and a half years and have never seen the river as low as it was,” LaBelle said. The lower water levels have led to unexpected complications on his kayak tour, resulting in a negative impact on his business.
Apart from disrupting navigability, the exposed river bed has caused another unforeseen issue. “When the water level goes down, and the river bed is exposed, the smell is awful. It’s so bad,” LaBelle mentioned. Moreover, the shift in the river’s ecosystem has caused an unusual surge in the number of alligators seen on LaBelle’s tour. “On a normal day when we go out, we maybe see one maybe two alligators, and yesterday there were 13,” he added.
The Cause of the Low Levels
Wes Byne from Augusta Utilities reports that the unusual circumstance began with a lightning strike. “During an event the other night, we had a lightning strike on some power lines, and it caused them to lose power to one of the control motors, which drove one of the arms that was left out of the water. As a result, the pools started to drain in an uncontrolled fashion,” he explained.
Although this was an unexpected event, the United States Army Corps of Engineers managed to release more water into the river promptly. Despite these actions, concerns persist among locals like LaBelle, who feels apprehensive about the future. “It’s kind of scary knowing someone has that much control over what my business is based on,” he mentioned.
To keep an eye on daily water levels in the Savannah River, residents and interested parties can click HERE.
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
