10/08/2026
š New Corps Operations Improve Chattahoochee River Water Quality š
We have approved a new operating procedure at Buford Dam to improve dissolved oxygen levels in the Chattahoochee River downstream of Lake Sidney Lanier.
By combining turbine releases with aerated flows through the sluice gates, the operation improves water quality in the upper tailwater, providing healthier conditions for trout and the aquatic ecosystem along the 35-mile reach between Buford Dam and Morgan Falls Dam. š šæ
The change does not alter lake levels or the total amount of water released it simply changes how the minimum flow is delivered.
The effort is part of Sustainable Rivers Program, which uses science-based changes to dam operations to support healthier river ecosystems while maintaining authorized project purposes.
The new procedure will also support the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and the Georgia DNR Buford Trout Hatchery, helping maintain water conditions important for recreation, fishing and trout production. river while supporting the continued operation of Buford Dam.
Learn more about the new operating procedure and what it means for the Chattahoochee River: https://www.sam.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/4616189/us-army-corps-of-engineers-establishes-scheduled-operations-to-improve-chattaho/