The Lake Hartwell Association’s mission is to protect and improve the lake’s water quality, quantity and safety for the benefit of residents and users. The association uses education, advocacy, and stewardship to achieve this goal. With over 35 years of advocacy, LHA brings together residents, recreational users, and businesses who share a common interest in maintaining the lake’s beauty and sustainability.
We focus on promoting responsible water policies, ensuring lake safety, preserving natural habitats, and managing shoreline development. Working alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local governmental agencies, LHA plays a pivotal role in representing the lake’s diverse users and addressing any challenges that may arise.
Your membership supports the lake’s continued vitality. By joining the Lake Hartwell Association, you help us advocate for the preservation of Lake Hartwell for future generations.
LHA members receive $25 off their BoatU.S./TowBoat U.S. membership when they join or renew.
The Lake Hartwell Association’s mission is to protect and improve the lake’s water quality, quantity and safety for the benefit of residents and users. The association uses education, advocacy, and stewardship to achieve this goal.
Advocates for positive state water policy.
The LHA is a member of the Georgia Water Coalition and participates on the Savannah Basin Advisory Committee for the Georgia Statewide Water Planning Process. The association has taken a strong position against sacrificing our future through interbasin water transfers. The LHA is also a founding member of the Hartwell Area Chamber and Municipal Coalition. It has promoted the need for an interstate compact between Georgia and South Carolina to further protect the long-term future of the Savannah Basin waters.
Advocates for the protection of lake water quality.
The LHA has actively engaged in the process to remediate PCB contamination and resulting fish consumption advisories in the lake. It has conducted independent water quality studies to verify the high quality of our waters for all lake users. Recently, the LHA started the Covekeeper network on the lake to identify and address water quality risks. Together with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the LHA co-sponsors the annual Hartwell Lake Clean Up Campaign and has promoted and led the effort to cleanup discarded foam bead dock flotation from the shoreline.
Promotes water and boating safety.
The LHA staff has developed the lake navigational brochure which has been widely praised for providing a concise source of navigational and state regulatory boating information. The Safety Committee maintains a children’s life jacket loaner program at all lakeside marinas through a Boat US grant program.
Advocates for sound and consistent shoreline regulation and basin management.
With the US Army Corps of Engineers, the LHA has promoted more conservative dock loading through the revised shoreline management plan. The LHA participated in the Savannah Basin Study process resulting in a revised drought plan which better protects our water levels. The LHA conducted an economic impact study, during drought conditions that demonstrated a business loss of over $120 million, to support better water management and has lobbied for federal funding for critical Corps projects, which will protect Savannah Basin water assets.
Networks with other water organizations.
To keep abreast of technical developments and share best practices, the LHA is a member of the Georgia Lake Society, the Lake and Watershed Association of South Carolina and the North American Lake Management Society. Various LHA members have given numerous presentations and conducted workshops at Regional Water Conferences.
The strength of the Lake Hartwell Association lies in the dedication and leadership of our Board of Directors. These committed individuals bring a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise to ensure the health and sustainability of Lake Hartwell and its watershed. Our Board members serve as stewards of the lake, working together to uphold our mission and advocate for the lake community.
Anyone is eligible to join LHA and you don’t have to live on the lake. You can find a membership form on the back of our newsletter or you can apply online here. Just fill it out, send it in with the membership dues, or complete the online application and payment, and you will be a member!
The membership form has a section where you can see committee opportunities for which you can volunteer. We are always looking for volunteers!
LHA is always interested in involving members in the various committee activities. We need volunteers. You should let one of the board members know of your interest and the committee activity you would like to work in. You can do this by calling, writing, or sending an email. A convenient email form is available on the Contact page.
The LHA Board of Directors is a group of men and women (volunteers) that have been elected by the membership of LHA. Each director serves for a term of 3 years. Their responsibilities include overall control of the affairs of LHA, policy making, coordination, communication, and committee responsibilities.
Board meetings are open to all LHA members! Contact us for meeting times and dates.
Officers of the LHA board include the president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Other members of the board usually serve as chairpersons of various committees and functions such as publications, programs and publicity, legislative, safety, technical, and web site. A list of current officers and board members can be found above!
The easiest way to get in touch with LHA is to fill out our contact form. You can also write to the President, Vice President, or other board members at Lake Hartwell Association, Inc., PO Box 2122, Anderson, SC 29622, or you can call 1-864-224-LAKE (5253).
You can find a copy of the bylaws in the Documents page under the Resources tab, available exclusively to members.
Join the Lake Hartwell Association today and become a vital part of the effort to protect and preserve the beauty and vitality of Lake Hartwell for generations to come. Your membership helps fund projects that improve lake conditions, promote responsible recreation, and ensure that Lake Hartwell remains a treasured resource.
