Lyman Lake Updates

General Information

Below are a few important reminders for those that own property adjacent to SJWD’s property at Lyman Lake.

SJWD Property and Permitted Privately-Owned Structures:

SJWD owns the property around Lyman Lake up to the 850.2ft contour. Through a permitting process, SJWD allows adjacent property owners to have privately owned structures (existing boathouses, docks, etc.) on SJWD’s property. SJWD does not allow the construction of new non-floating structures (boathouses and docks built on piers). Due to the inevitability of fluctuating lake levels and the inherent risks of non-floating structures, SJWD has strongly encouraged adjacent property owners with existing non-floating structures to transition to floating structures. The conditions, specs, and guidelines for allowed structures are found in SJWD’s Policies and Procedures Governing Water Supply Reservoirs (https://www.sjwd.com/pdf/LakePolicies.pdf).

Lake Water Levels:

During normal operations, normal pool in the lake is around 843 ft above mean sea level (MSL). During a weather event, many factors like total rainfall, the intensity of the rainfall (inches per hour), where the rainfall occurs, current soil saturation levels, current lake water level, current river flows, etc., can and do affect how the lake reacts to each specific event. We understand that fluctuating water levels can be frustrating to adjacent property owners, especially those with non-floating structures; however, SJWD does not guarantee any specific maximum or minimum lake water level during any specific weather event. We do monitor weather events (especially major events) that can cause severe flooding. When enough certainty and advanced notice are known AND when possible, we may decide to release additional water through the dam. However, we take special care when making this decision because of the potential adverse effects on downstream water quantity or quality. As always, we recommend that adjacent property owners monitor the weather, consider its potential and sometimes unpredictable impacts, and take any necessary precautions to protect structures (floating or non-floating) they have on SJWD’s property.

Hydraulic Capacity of the New Spillway: During the permitting process for the replacement of the damaged spillway, SJWD was required by SCDHEC to design the spillway with the same hydraulic capacity as the previous spillway. This means that, while it is newer and more reliable, it can still only pass the same amount of water as the old spillway. In short, the new spillway was not built to prevent lake water levels from rising – it was built to more reliably handle the water when it is required to pass that amount of water.

Please remember, while we all want to enjoy the aesthetic and recreational benefits the lake can provide, for the past 25 years Lyman Lake has served as the main raw water source for SJWD (which now includes approximately 30,000 residences and 1,500 businesses). Consequently, there are many factors that must be considered when making decisions relative to the operation of the lake. Thank you for your understanding.

Here are the latest communications and updates for Lyman Lake residents:

Lyman Lake Winter Drawdown:

Beginning December 16, 2024, and lasting through February 16, 2025, Lyman Lake’s water level will be lowered by approximately 3-5 ft. from the normal pool level. Please keep in mind that during this time lake levels may still fluctuate due to heavy rain events and/or lack of rain. Please see the frequently asked questions below for more information.

Drawdown Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is a “drawdown?”

Our watershed management strategy includes a wide variety of routine maintenance and monitoring activities. As part of this proactive approach, we plan to lower the water level of Lyman Lake by approximately 3-5 feet this winter.

2. Why do you need to reduce the water levels at the lakes?

Our team plans to take advantage of the lower levels by surveying the lakeshore and those areas of the lakes that would not normally be visible. We will also use the opportunity to exercise the valves and gates at the dam. Additionally, the drawdown of the lake will allow our lake residents to perform permitted maintenance to their marine structures and seawalls, as well as work on shoreline stabilization projects.

3. Will the water level fluctuate during the drawdown?

While our goal is to keep the lake lowered by approximately 3-5 ft., it may be challenging during heavy rainfall events or wet weather patterns. Wet weather (especially heavy rainfall), like we have experienced recently, may cause the lake level to fluctuate during the drawdown and affect our ability to reach and maintain these lower water levels. While we do have valves and piping that can release supplemental water from Lyman Lake, we must ensure we can provide adequate amounts of water to our drinking water treatment facility. If you are considering beginning a permitted maintenance project, we recommend monitoring weather forecasts regularly, especially when planning key shoreline work.

4. How long will the lake levels be lower?

We plan to complete the drawdown between December 16, 2024, and lasting through February 16, 2025. So, the lake level will begin to drop in late November and begin to rise in early February. Also, be sure you are subscribed to our Lake Info email list (lakeinfo@sjwd.com) for updates on the drawdown process.

5. I like to fish and enjoy the lake in the Winter. Will the lowered levels interfere with my recreation plans?

While we do not expect this drawdown to impact normal recreation activities like fishing drastically, some lake areas may be harder to navigate during the drawdown. We plan to keep our boat landing at Lyman Lake Park open and available. As always, we encourage safety. Please speak with a Lake Warden to ensure that your plans do not involve taking your boat into a portion of the reservoir that may be difficult to navigate.

6. What kind of maintenance can I do on my property?

Lake residents may benefit from the lower levels, which provide perfect conditions to survey erosion and perform shoreline maintenance projects, including dock maintenance. If you are considering a shoreline management project, or another project that requires a permit, please contact the SJWD Lake Warden Office to start the permitting process. Please remember that maintenance activities do NOT include pushing yard debris or any other material into the lake.

7. What kind of maintenance can I do to my permitted dock?

Lake residents who have a permitted dock will be allowed to maintain anything, except the piers. SJWD will not allow repair or replacement of piers during this drawdown. Please speak with an SJWD Lake Warden to ensure that your maintenance is permitted and compliant with the SJWD’s current policies.

8. How do I get a permit?

Permits are required for any work within the buffer area around Lyman Lake. We encourage you to submit permit applications in advance to ensure adequate time for them to be processed and issued by our watershed management team and lake staff. Please contact SJWD’s Lake Warden office if you are planning maintenance work during the drawdown period. Applications are available at the SJWD Lake Warden Office at 200 Lyman Lodge Rd., Lyman.

9. Do I need to move my boat?

Although not required, we recommend any boats/vessels be removed from the water before the drawdown.

Lyman Lake Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pay Bill Online