Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir |
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 Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir
Location in the United States
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| Location | Georgia |
| Coordinates | 33°40′56″N 83°38′03″W / 33.68222°N 83.63417°W |
| Type | Reservoir
Dam/Reservoir Construction: March–April 2015 Reservoir Fills: 2015 - 2018 Reservoir Full Pool: 2018 |
| Primary inflows | On Hard Labor Creek, with pump diversion from the Apalachee River; Reedy Creek |
| Basin countries | Eastern Continental Divide watershed (Upper Oconee), United States |
| Surface area | 1,370 acres (5.5 km2) |
| Average depth | 82 feet (25 m) at dam |
| Surface elevation | 700 ft (213.4 m) summer 700 ft (213.4 m) winter |
| Settlements | Social Circle, Georgia; Rutledge, Georgia |
The Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir is a large, man-made lake in Walton County, Georgia, United States. It covers about 1,370 acres (5.5 km²) and is located near the towns of Social Circle and Rutledge. This reservoir is about 40 miles (64 km) east of Atlanta.
The main purpose of the reservoir is to provide drinking water for nearby communities. It also offers some fun outdoor activities. The reservoir was created by building a large earthen dam across Hard Labor Creek.
Contents
Building the Reservoir
The idea for the Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir first came up in 1997. It was built to help with water supply challenges in Georgia. The state needed more water as its population grew.
The Dam's Design
The dam is a "Category I earthen dam." This means it's a very important structure made mostly of earth. It was built to hold back a lot of water safely.
- The dam is about 1,950 feet (594 meters) long.
- It is about 460 feet (140 meters) wide at its base.
- The dam stands about 94 feet (29 meters) high.
- The top of the spillway, where extra water flows out, is 700 feet (213 meters) above sea level.
When Was It Built?
Construction of the dam and reservoir happened between March and April 2015. The reservoir then slowly filled with water from 2015 to 2018. It reached its full water level in 2018.
Where Does the Water Come From?
The reservoir gets its water from Hard Labor Creek. It also receives water pumped from the Apalachee River and from Reedy Creek. The reservoir is part of the Upper Oconee River watershed. This means its water eventually flows into the Oconee River and then towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Recreation at the Reservoir
While the reservoir's main job is to supply water, it also offers ways for people to enjoy nature.
What You Can Do
There is a special area for visitors with parking and a boat ramp. You can also find modern restrooms there.
Important Rules
- The land around the reservoir is private property.
- The reservoir and parking area are closed at night. A chain link barrier blocks entry.
- You cannot stay overnight at the lake.
- Boating and fishing are allowed only from dawn until dusk.
