This summer, perhaps thousands of people will spend part of their summer vacations using TVA lakes. Millions will depend on the utility's hydroelectric dams for power. And commercial barges will depend on the rivers and lakes in the Tennessee River watershed for navigation.
All of these uses have to be considered when the staff of TVA's river management division makes decisions about lake levels. Rainfall and runoff across the 40,000-square-mile watershed are closely watched, and adjustments are made at dams throughout the system to help ensure everyone gets what they need from the river and its tributaries.
WUOT All Things Considered host Brandon Hollingsworth learned more about TVA's river management system from operations support manager James Everett.