Lake Keowee is one of the most exciting places with unique features. It is a famous man-made water reservoir that was initially developed for power generation purposes. Over the years, the lake and the area surrounding the lake have become a vibrant recreational, residential, and commercial hub. If you think of the best places to visit or invest in, why not think of Lake Keowee? Here are some of the most amazing Lake Keowee facts.

The Most Amazing Lake Keowee Facts

One of the first fun facts about Lake Keowee, SC, is its size. The lake covers an area that is approximately 26 miles or 42 kilometers long. The lake has a width of 3 miles or 4.8 kilometers. The size of this lake makes it ideal for recreational activities. There are so many activities that can be conducted in and around the lake. The lake has an average depth of 54 feet. These are some Lake Keowee facts that make it a unique man-made freshwater lake in the United States.

Some other notable and essential Lake Keowee facts are the construction process and period. The construction works began in 1971. Lake Keowee, SC, was constructed together with Little River Dam in the same period. Both Lake Keowee, SC, and the Little River Dam were built on Keowee River and Little River, respectively. The presence of outlets from Lake Keowee, SC, helps to clean the water and maintain its freshness.

The outlet design is another one of the interesting Lake Keowee facts that should be explored. As a freshwater lake, Lake Keowee, SC, has an exit waterway that allows water to flow from the lake. The engineers designed Lake Keowee’s outflow water to connect with the Little River Dam and form the Seneca River. That body of water joins with other tributaries to create a larger river called the Savannah River.

Water Source

Lake Keowee, SC, has been serving residents as a source of clean water. As stated, more than 250,000 customers are connected to the lake’s water system. The Lake Keowee Watershed-Based Plan (WBP) was developed to monitor water quality and ensure it is suitable for human consumption. The types, sources, and load levels of bacteria and other pollutants in Lake Keowee’s water are controlled as recommended in the WBP. 

Lake Keowee Source Water Protection Team (LKSWPT) also helps regulate water pollution in and around the lake. The team helps to keep the lake water clean and protect the people who visit the lake for recreational activities, such as water sports, from contracting diseases.

The presence of Lake Keowee’s water transportation system is one of the most incredible Lake Keowee facts. The water transportation system is part of the lake outlet that has the capacity to carry 20,000,000 liters. On average, this water transportation system has a flow of 28 cubic meters per second. Some water fetched and transported in this impounding system is used in the nuclear power plant site.

Lake Keowee, SC, also generates enough electricity for more than 7,000 homes to benefit from the power. The interesting Lake Keowee facts about the depth enables generation of enough power to supply to the surrounding area. The Keowee Hydro Station conducts electricity generation activities. Some interesting Lake Keowee facts about its power capacity is that 158 megawatts are generated from the lake water. The outflow is fitted with turbines which are responsible for the generation of this renewable form of energy.

Oconee Nuclear Station

Apart from electricity generation, Lake Keowee water is also used to cool nuclear plants. The designers of the lake constructed a massive wall separating the inflow channels and the lake waters. The wall structure is also known as Oconee skimmer wall. It is one of the many interesting Lake Keowee facts that helps in cooling nuclear plants. The lake water is drawn from a depth of about 150 feet deep. At this depth, the water is cold enough to be used in the Oconee nuclear plant. It is also an ideal depth to facilitate water fetching during a dry season when the water levels drop significantly. Suspending the water inlet at a midpoint depth is also important as it helps control the clogging of the inlet waterways with debris and other sediments. These fascinating Lake Keowee facts only make the place more attractive for everyone.

The functionality of the Oconee skimmer wall is another one of the Lake Keowee facts that you must know about. The skimmer wall separates the warmer Lake Keowee, SC, water from entering the nuclear plant inlets. Notably, cold water is fetched to cool the nuclear reactors, and later on, it is released back to the lake. Thus, the process of cooling the nuclear power reactors makes the water hot. As it is released back to the lake, it raises the temperatures of the lake water. People have monikered the high-speed inlets from the nuclear plants as “hot holes.” Since its completion and commencement of operations in 1973, the Oconee Nuclear Station has become one of the only nuclear plants in America to have more than two operating reactors. These Lake Keowee facts depict the significance of the lake and the importance of investing in the Lake Keowee region.

Accessibility

Finally, Lake Keowee facts about its accessibility convince more people to visit the lake and its environs for recreational or investment purposes. Air travel is a significant route of access to Lake Keowee, SC. The other notable Lake Keowee facts about travel accessibility include the presence of airports, including Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport. It is an international airport that accommodates both local and international arrivals. Thus, people can access Lake Keowee, SC, from all parts of the world through air travel. Road access is also ideal for those wanting to access Lake Keowee, SC, and its surrounding regions by car. Several highways, such as Interstate 85 Highway, connect Lake Keowee, SC, region to the neighboring states and towns. With these important Lake Keowee facts, you should not worry about making Keowee your next destination.

Recreational Activities at Lake Keowee, SC

No matter the season, you can enjoy many outdoor activities on your visit to this lake found in South Carolina. Below are some of these adventures.

1. Swimming

There are no restrictions to swimming in Lake Keowee, SC. Additionally, there are no designated swimming spots in the lake; thus, you can choose any location that interests you. Water in this lake is renowned for its cleanliness and provides a good and safe swimming environment. Considering the size of Lake Keowee, SC, and its strategic position, swimming can be enjoyed in this area because there is no congestion. You may choose to go swimming in the lake alone, or you can go with your family because it is a family-friendly area.

People may decide to go on a swimming trip as a group and enjoy themselves on their stay in this area. While swimming in this lake, you may choose to go and enjoy yourself at its waterfalls. Lake Keowee, SC, has twin falls called Eastatoe falls situated at its very top side. These falls are 75 feet tall and flow in a river that spills directly into the lake. In addition, the water of these waterfalls flow directly from the mountains, and bathing in them is very refreshing.

South Carolina’s climate makes swimming very enjoyable. However, there are no lifeguards provided at the lake, and thus it is advisable to have company when swimming.

2. Fishing

The clear water of Lake Keowee, SC, is an ideal environment for many fish species. Initially, the lake held three fish species of fish; catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. This fish population changed later after the introduction of spotted bass fish. Currently, spotted bass species make approximately 90% of the bass fish caught in the lake. Lake Keowee, SC, is an excellent choice to plan a fishing trip with friends or family. Most people who come to fish here do it for recreational purposes; there is no commercial fishing.

Furthermore, Lake Keowee, SC, has a modest size made of a 300-mile shoreline, making the fish-finding process easy and shortened significantly in such a densely populated lake. Spotted bass species are sportier to catch than largemouth species because of their size. People find the experience of catching bass in Lake Keowee, SC, a humbling experience. This lake has been well taken care of; the waters are clear from shore to shore.

3. Other Water Sports Common at Lake Keowee, SC

You may enjoy other water sports on your visit to Lake Keowee, SC; these sports include paddle boating. It is an excellent way to enjoy yourself in the lake and exercise your body simultaneously. In this sport, one stands on a paddleboard that resembles the one found on surfboards, and when paddling, they propel their boat forward. It is an excellent experience to enjoy on your visit here with family and friends. Kayaking is another sport you can enjoy in Lake Keowee.

The lake’s shoreline gives you a large area to explore while on your family trip or vacation. You may choose to explore the lake alone or do it with a friend using a tandem kayak. Water levels in Lake Keowee, SC, are kept within a specific range throughout the year; this makes the lake an ideal location for boating. Many companies lend boats around the lake, making it easy to get a boat when you visit this place. The clarity of the water and the absence of weeds in and around the lake make the boating sport safe and enjoyable. Boat lending companies provide their clients with lake maps, and thus you cannot lose your way in the lake.

Jet skiing is another sport you can enjoy on your trip to Lake Keowee, SC. This sport allows you to enjoy the water and a chance to enjoy the mountain view that surrounds the lake. Finally, you can enjoy the wakeboarding sport found in this area. It is an enjoyable sport demanding strength, coordination, and balance. You will have a chance to enjoy yourself at the same time exercising your body and brain. For those who enjoy watersports, Lake Keowee, SC, is one of the best places you can visit and enjoy.

Camping

The presence of camping ground is one of the interesting Lake Keowee facts that attract people from afar. Recently, people have embraced outdoor recreation, and camping has gained popularity among Americans. You can choose to spend some time at these camping sites with family and friends. Campers are provided with combination fire ring pits, and thus they don’t have to own one to camp around this lake. You can also access the backcountry camping sites by either hiking to them or canoeing from one of the many canoe launch sites.

Campers can have their pets in the campsites provided they are physically restrained or on a leash not more extended than six feet. While camping here, you have an opportunity to hike along with a network of trails that wind through the forest. It gives you a chance to explore the land on foot. It also gives you a chance to enjoy seeing wildlife in the woods. Removal of vegetation has been prohibited around Lake Keowee, SC, and this gives people who visit this area a refreshing experience with natural vegetation.

History of the Area

The Cherokee, who are a Native American nation, once occupied this area. This lake’s name was coined from one of the native settlements in this area referred to as Keowee Town built along a river called Keowee River. This settlement was destroyed in 1760 by British forces. After the American Revolutionary War, there were peace treaties, and the Cherokee surrendered most of their eastern lands where Keowee valley and Keowee River are situated.

Over time, early settlers occupied these lands and started building their homes and establishing farms in these rugged lands. In 1963, a power generating company purchased 83,400 acres of land in this area and began developing this land in the year 1967. They constructed the current Lake Keowee for power generation purposes, and by 1971, the lake was filled and operationalized.