The water level at Lake Martin is dropping due to the drought conditions. Currently, it is 8 feet below full pool. This presents a new look and some obstacles to everyone. The good news…beaches on the shoreline and the islands are exposed and potential buyers can get a good look at what’s in front of a particular property. The bad news…some docks are out of the water; a few boat ramps cannot be used; and there are some unmarked hazards for boaters.

The lake level is controlled by Alabama Power Company. They, in turn, must comply with certain federal guidelines that require a minimum flow rate beyond Martin Dam. Unfortunately, the Tallapoosa River and all the streams that feed it (and Lake Martin) are substantially lower because of the drought. There is less water coming in to the lake and water still must leave the lake. In addition, we have the heat factor which contributes to evaporation. All told, there’s not much we can do to change the water level this summer.

Even with lower lake levels, this is still a beautiful place -over 40,000 acres of surface area, 700+ miles of shoreline (mostly undeveloped), sandy beaches, clear blue water, bald eagles, red foxes, wild turkeys, great blue herons, coyotes, and lots more provide just the right ingredients for some terrific memories.

We have something for everyone at Lake Martin - you just have to find it…and you may not be able to do it alone.

Probably the hardest thing for first-time visitors to understand is that you can’t just drive around and see the lake. We’re in a hilly, heavily wooded area. The only time you can really see Lake Martin is when you’re driving across one of our three major bridges or parking in someone’s driveway!

What’s most important?

• Location
• Driving time from your primary residence to your lake house. To some, proximity to home is a major factor.
• Take a look at your surroundings - do you need civilization close by? If so, Lake Martin may not be for you! We’re fairly remote - and grocery stores, restaurants, etc., are not plentiful; however, some areas have more “conveniences” than others.
• The lot
• Do you want a big view?
• Can you hike up and down a hill - or is a flat lot a priority?
• Deeded or leased?
• The house -
• we have cabins and castles - sometimes the best house is on the worst lot and the worst shack is on the most fabulous point lot. The price for each may be the same!
• Deep water (or year-round water) - an issue that is often misunderstood.
• Slough or BIG water? A quiet cove or lots of activity?

Do you know about:

• Lake Levels - our water level changes
• Winter draw down
• Droughts!
• Permits
• Shoreline permitting through Alabama Power Company
• Building permits - Lake Martin extends into three counties - Elmore, Coosa, and Tallapoosa. If you plan to build or even add on, you will probably need a building permit. The county seat for Elmore is Wetumpka, Coosa is Rockford, and Tallapoosa is Dadeville.
• Septic Systems - County Health Departments issue permits for these. Aside from a few developments that have private sewer systems, homes on Lake Martin will require a septic system for sewage treatment. Depending on the lot these systems can be simple or complex.

Getting Started

• Whether you’re buying or selling: Contact a REALTOR® - we have quite a few in the Lake Martin Area.

Stay tuned - there are so many things to consider and the above items just “scratch the surface.” I’ll focus on individual topics in future posts.