Joann Smith runs a boat business on Lake Rabun as well as a construction business. She tells WSB's Jeff Hullinger, "It's already been decided. There is not going to be any lowering of the lakes this year."

Georgia Power uses the lakes to generate hydroelectric power which provides about 1.2 percent of the state's power needs.

Georgia Power's lakes include: Burton, Rabun, Seed, Tugalo, Yonah, Jackson, Juliette, Oconee, Sinclair, Harding, Goat Rock, Oliver, North Highlands, Worth and Tallulah Falls.