Frequently Asked Questions
Reporting Issues
Q. Where do I report litter in the lake?
A. Litter, such as household refuse, that has blown into the lake, should be removed- if possible- when observed. There is no organization that removes litter from the lake. However, if you observe someone littering in the lake, you can report them to the Department of Wildlife Resources at 1-800-237-5712. If the person(s) littering are on a boat, please get the registration number. If the person(s) is littering from the shoreline, please get the address or GPS location.
Q. Where do I report a damaged channel marker (aid to navigation)?
A. The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) manages the maintenance of marker light malfunctions, damaged markers and buoys.
Q. How do I report a boating accident on Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Call 911 to reach local authorities and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at 804-367-1000.
Q. How do I report a suspicious scum floating on the surface of the water?
A. The best approach is to submit a report on the Virginia Dept of Health website, providing the location of the sighting, ideally accompanied by a photo. Reports posted to this website are distributed to professionals who can quickly respond and investigate the nature of the bloom.
Q. What boating incidents must be reported?
A. Boating incidents that are required to be reported to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources include:
- Damage over $2,000 by or to the vessel or its equipment
- Injury requiring medical assistance beyond first aid
- Loss of life
- Disappearance of any person from a vessel
Q. Where do I report large debris floating in the lake?
A. Debris in the lake varies as lake levels fluctuate and as water flows into the lake from various rivers and streams. During high water and/or flood events debris is much more pronounced and can be a nuisance and a safety hazard. AEP is responsible for removal of debris from the lake under the Shoreline Management Plan for the Smith Mountain Project as approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Report large debris to AEP directly at 800-956-4237 or to the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) at 540-721-4400 or by email at navigation@sml.us.com. There is additional information on debris removal at the TLAC website tricountylakes.org.
There are limitations to removing debris from small and shallow coves due to the equipment size and water draw. Private landowners are encouraged to remove debris and trash from their shoreline on an as needed basis as this prevents debris from entering the lake and provides a clean, safe, and beautiful shoreline.
Q. Large debris has floated onto my shoreline. How do I get it removed?
A. Debris that is against the shoreline should be reported to AEP at 800-956-4237 or the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) at 540-721-4400. Be aware that debris along or lodged against the shoreline, or in shallow/narrow coves, may not be possible to be removed by AEP equipment in a safe manner. Debris can be removed and disposed of by the property owner or by using private contractors.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the annual Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake cleanup event which brings out volunteers across the lake to assist with cleanup and which hosts several debris drop-off points for removal of debris. For additional information check the TLAC and SMLA websites for updates and information on the event which normally occurs in May or June.
Q. Who removes boats that have sunk in the lake?
A. Several organizations and individuals can remove sunken boats from Smith Mountain Lake, including:
- Sea Tow Smith Mountain Lake, a local business that specializes in removing sunken boats and helping stranded boat owners. You can contact them at 540-719-5555 or smithmountainlake@seatow.com.
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) can remove abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) from tidal and non-tidal waters, but not from lakes or ponds unless the vessel is in a historic river or stream channel.
- Individuals can apply to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) to gain title to an abandoned vessel. The applicant must make a good faith effort to contact the last known owner and submit a form with information about the vessel.
Lake Water Level
Q. Why is the lake water level so low?
A. May 2026 Statement from APCo
Smith Mountain Lake and Leesville Lake are experiencing low water levels due to ongoing drought conditions across the region, and we know these conditions can affect customers’ recreation plans and access around the lakes.
Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is operating the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project under its approved Water Management Plan and has implemented the operational measures to conserve water, balance lake levels and maintain required downstream flows and water quality, while meeting all regulatory obligations.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and adjust operations as required by the plan, but the biggest driver of lake recovery will be sustained rainfall. We will also continue to provide information to the public as it becomes available, and we encourage property owners in and around the Smith Mountain Project to visit the project website and sign up for email alerts.
Safety is our top priority, and we urge everyone to use extra caution on and near the water, watch for hazards and changing conditions, follow posted advisories and follow guidance from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and other public safety agencies.
Q. What is the current lake level?
A. View the lake level chart.
Q. Why is the lake level at SML so variable?
A. Annual rainfall affects lake level more than any other factor. Lake levels tend to drop during late summer and usually return to normal level in Oct/Nov when the hurricane remnants come through and the plants and trees go dormant. Each year SML lake levels often vary by several feet due to variance in rainfall, and about every 5 to 7 years, SML can experience drought conditions that can, but rarely, lower levels as much as 5 feet.
Q. How does the dam operation affect lake level?
A. The Appalachian Power Company dam is required to follow an approved release protocol, which remains constant until certain “triggers” are activated based on weather forecasts, inflow models, power generation needs, and the adjusted water level of Smith Mountain Lake. Current lake levels are available on APCo’s website. As power is generated the water levels drop, and conversely when the dam pumps-back overnight, the water levels rise.
Q. Does Bedford Water remove water from the lake?
A. The Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Facility, operated collaboratively by Bedford Water and the Western Virginia Regional Water Authority, currently withdraws about 1.8M gallons a day from the Lake. The volume of water removed is less than evaporation on that day.
Q. Does the Western Virginia Regional Water Authority release treated sewage into the lake?
A. The Roanoke Water Treatment Facility is located on the Upper Roanoke River, just upstream from the Niagara Dam in Roanoke. The facility is permitted for discharge into the river by VA DEQ.
Q. Where is the lake level measured at?
A. Lake levels are measured at the Appalachian Power Company dam.
Q. Is SML used to supply drinking water?
A. Water from Smith Mountain Lake is treated using membrane filtration at the Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Plant, which is jointly owned and operated by the Western Virginia Water Authority and Bedford Water to serve customers in Franklin and Bedford Counties and the Westlake Area Water System. To see the most recent water quality report, visit www.westernvawater.org/
Q. Is SML water used to supply the data center at Botetourt Center at Greenfield?
A. Carvins Cove is the primary water source for the Botetourt Center at Greenfield, so the proposed data center would not be using water from Smith Mountain Lake. For more information, please visit the Western Virginia Water Authority’s website, www.westernvawater.org/
Visitors to Carvins Cove may notice that the reservoir looks low in winter months. Any precipitation that we get in the form of snow or rain runs off the watershed and fill the reservoir. To see historical data on reservoir levels, please visit www.westernvawater.org/
SMLA
Q. Is SMLA a HOA?
A. No, SMLA is a volunteer-led non-profit 501 c 3 non-profit environmental and safety related organization.
Q. What awards are available from SMLA?
A. There are up to five awards presented each year. For more information, as well as a list of previous recipients, please visit the Annual Awards page.
Q. How can I learn about volunteer opportunities to help protect the lake?
A. Contact the leader for the program(s) that interest you or call the office at 540-719-0690 for general information about volunteer opportunities.
Q. Do I have to be a member to donate to SMLA?
A. You do not need to be a member to donate. If you love the lake and want to help protect it, donate today. Donations are tax deductible.
Q. Do I have to be a member to volunteer?
A. You do not need to be a member to volunteer. If you love the lake and want to help protect it, volunteer today.
SMLA Membership
Q. Is SMLA a non-profit and is membership tax deductible?
A. Yes, SMLA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and membership is tax deductible.
Q. Who can be a SMLA member?
A. Individuals, families and business owners can join SMLA. You don’t need to live at the lake to be a member.
Q. What is the benefit of being a SMLA member?
A. Membership is an investment to help keep the lake clean and safe. Without membership support, SMLA could not fund the programs that monitor and protect the lake. Members receive a monthly email with important news and information about the lake. Members also receive a monthly email called Lake Matters that focuses on specific lake topics.
Q. How do I log into my account or reset my password?
A. Go to the account login page. Enter your Username (your Username is the email you used when you first set up your account) and the password you created during account setup. If you don’t remember what email you used, please email or call the office for help, theoffice@smlassociation.org or 540–719-0690. If you have forgotten your password, click Forgot Password on the log on page to get a new link.
Q. What is the purpose of membership sub accounts and how do I add them to my account?
A. By creating sub-accounts, members of your family or business will also receive our member emails. You can add up to 10 sub accounts to your membership at no cost.
To add a sub account, log into your SMLA account. Once logged in on your Account page, Click Subscriptions. Find your current (active) subscription and click Sub Accounts. Click Add Sub Account. If this person already has an SMLA account, type their email address in Existing Username. If they do not already have an SMLA account, enter their email address, first name and last name. Decide if you want to send them the Welcome Email and tick the box. Click Submit.
If you have any questions, please contact membership@smlassociation.org.
Q. I’d like to support the SMLA by becoming a member but don’t want to play an active role, is that possible?
A. While there are many different volunteer opportunities if you’re interested, there is no obligation. In fact, the majority of our members are not active in the operations of the association, they just enjoy hearing about what the SMLA is doing for the community and want to support us financially with their membership.
Boating, Dock & Recreation Safety
Q. Do I need a license to operate a boat on Smith Mountain Lake?
A. The state of Virginia requires all Virginia boaters to complete boater education classes. Visit https://www.boat-ed.com/virginia/ for more information.
Q. Do I need a license to fish on Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Yes, you need a license unless you are fishing from your personal dock.
Q. Is it safe to swim near a dock?
A. It is risky to swim in any location where electricity is provided near water.
Q. Can I swim in Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Smith Mountain Lake is safe to swim in, but for more information on water safety see https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/ for updates.
Q. Do I need to wear a life jacket when boating on Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Adults are not legally required to wear a life jacket when boating on Smith Mountain Lake but it is strongly recommended that you do so. According to Federal regulations, children under 13 years old must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times when the boat is underway. Always ensure that life jackets are readily accessible for everyone on board your boat. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding while wearing life jackets is smart!
Q. How do I know if there are any swimming advisories on Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Any active advisories will be posted at the SMLA website.
Q. Can I bring my boat to Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Yes, you can bring your boat to Smith Mountain Lake. There are several public boat ramps around the lake, and some marinas also have boat ramps. There may be a small fee to launch at marinas. Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a ramp with a boat launch fee for day-use visitors, but overnight guests can launch for free. Be sure that your boat, bait wells, and trailer are all free of weeds, or other live material in order to prevent the spread of invasive species from one lake to another.
Q. Does someone install dock address signs?
A. The SML Rotary Club creates dock address signs as a fundraiser. They will install them as well.
Q. What are the rules for boat wakes on SML?
A. In Virginia, the Department of Wildlife Resources has set the regulation that boats operate at no greater than no wake speed within 50 feet of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, and people in the water. The guidelines for no wake speed are on the DWR website.
In summary:
1. “No Wake” is defined as the slowest possible speed required to maintain steerage and headway.
2. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat greater than no wake speed in areas marked with regulatory “No Wake” buoys.
3. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat greater than no wake speed when within 50 feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, and people in the water. This definition does not prohibit the pulling of a skier with a rope of less than 50 feet, nor a person accompanying the motorboat (wake surfing) provided the motorboat is propelled by an inboard motor.
The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) board of directors and Navigation Committee have engaged the SML Community in the discussion of No Wake Surfing Zones and as a result, the board seated the Wake Education Task Force in 2022. The task force strives to address the various origins and impact of wakes with respect to safety, property damage and shoreline erosion.
At this time there are no proposals from regulatory agencies to increase the “no wake zone” distances on Smith Mountain Lake. The Wake Education Task Force is a cross-section of citizens from Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes, appointed by the TLAC Board of Directors, to research and develop educational programs to inform boaters of the importance of proper and safe boating behaviors and etiquette associated with wakes to minimize unintended hazardous consequences.
Programs have been introduced to schools and marinas to teach the boating public the value of safe and courteous operation of boats while respecting no wake regulations.
Water Quality
Q. What is the yellow film I sometimes see on the surface of the water?
A. Virginia is well known for the prodigious amount of pollen that blows from the trees every year, particularly during the spring. Depending on the direction of the wind, pollen can accumulate as a yellow film close to the shoreline. This should not be confused with the blue-green film that may indicate a potentially harmful algal bloom.
Q.Is it OK to blow leaves from my property into the lake?
A. While we can’t stop trees along the shoreline from dropping their leaves into the lake, it is not advised for homeowners or landscapers to blow leaves into the water. As leaves decay they release phosphorus and other pollutants into the water which can stimulate excess algae growth and may trigger a harmful algae bloom. It is against Virginia state code to blow leaves into the lake.
Q. What products are safe to use for cleaning my dock and boat?
A. Plain water or pressurized water are the safest options for cleaning around lake water. Many soaps and detergents add nutrients to the water which can promote algae bloom, which harms fish and other aquatic life. Make sure if you do use a product that is environmentally friendly and is free of phosphates and chlorine.
Q. Is it safe to swim where geese congregate?
A. No, e coli is present in goose feces.
Q. Is SML safe to swim in?
A. All water quality monitoring work for the past 40 years at Smith Mountain Lake indicates that levels of nutrients and bacteria are not found at levels that would cause a risk to human health. Like any natural body of water always use common sense when swimming and “when in doubt, stay out.” Be sure to shower after swimming and keep children and pets from drinking the water. Refer to https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
Q. Do you monitor beach areas?
A. SMLA monitors the water quality around the lake, which includes sampling for phosphorus, water clarity and chlorophyll-a. We don’t do beach monitoring. The DEQ maintains a regular sampling effort at the lake, but they also do not monitor the beach. We also conduct E. coli monitoring, but that is only in marina locations.
The Virginia Department of Health does not require monitoring for E. coli at public lake beaches. The VDH has guidance on safe swimming, which includes avoiding swimming in areas that have heavy wildlife presence.
The SML state park beach is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Q. What is being done about sedimentation in the lake?
A. TLAC implemented a sedimentation task force in August 2024. The task force meets the last Monday of the month at 3 pm in the TLAC office. For more information about the task force, please contact TLAC at 540-721-4400.
A. TLAC implemented a sedimentation task force in August 2024. The task force meets the last Monday of the month at 3 pm in the TLAC office. For more information about the task force, please contact TLAC at 540-721-4400.
Aquatic Vegetation & Invasive Species
Q. Are aquatic weeds a problem at SML?
A. Prior to 2013 aquatic weeds were very widespread particularly in the Bull Run and Blackwater portions of the lake. Many efforts to control the weeds were undertaken by TLAC and APCO including the use of herbicides. The management plan settled upon was the release of sterile grass carp which consumed all weeds in the lake, even the native ones. These fish were expected to live about 10 years.
Q. Does SMLA manage weeds in the lake?
A. SMLA does not physically manage aquatic weeds, native or otherwise. We assist the Tri County Lakes Commission (TLAC) with their decision-making and policy regarding a number of lake quality topics, including weeds.
Q. What is done to manage aquatic weeds?
A. Tri County Lakes Commission (TLAC) makes weed management decisions with the assistance of the Virginia Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), county representatives, APCO and other advisors such as SMLA.
Two weed surveys at locations around the lake are scheduled occur every year. The surveys determine the acreage impacted as well as species of weeds and guide how TLAC will respond.
In 2013, sterile triploid carp were introduced to SML to control invasive aquatic vegetation. The Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) funds weed control efforts. Homeowners do not directly fund this weed abatement project except through local taxes.
Q. Why did the carp die off and not reproduce?
A. The triploid (sterile) grass carp that were released in 2013 to control invasive aquatic weeds cannot reproduce. They have a life span of about 10 years, thus the vast majority of them died off. The carp you see at marinas, being fed by visitors, are common carp. These are distinct species of carp.
Q. Can I use bleach or hericides to remove weeds at my dock?
A. Using any chemical in the lake must be conducted by a licensed applicator and first be approved through an APCO vegetation removal permit. Physical removal of weeds is likely to spread them as they can root elsewhere if small portions are allowed to float away.
An application for a vegetation control permit is required by APCO.
The DWR website offers a list of contractors who may be able to help.
Q. What is being done to keep the Rusty Crayfish out of SML?
A. According to the DWR, the Rusty Crayfish is native to Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Northern Tennessee, but was first found in Virginia in 2011, probably having been used by anglers for bait and sold in the pet and biological supply industries.
Rusty crayfish outcompete native crayfish for food and territory, are voracious fish egg-eaters, and reduce aquatic plant abundance and species diversity, which impacts the habitat for other crayfish and fish species. They are associated with population declines of game fish such as bluegill and bass, along with game and non-game other fish species.
Rusty crayfish are larger than species of crayfish native to Virginia, growing to almost four inches. They have a brownish-green body with dark, rusty-red spots on either side of the carapace and large claws. Their size and those claws enable them to outcompete smaller, native crayfish from hiding places and for food, which they eat at about twice the volume of native crayfish. Just as native crayfish, the rusty crayfish eats almost any plant or small animal, dead or alive. But the rusty, due to its larger size and an accelerated metabolism, can eat much more than native crayfish, decimating the aquatic vegetation in whole sections of streams.
To help stop the spread of rusty crayfish, never release any individuals purchased as pets or as bait for angling into any body of water.
Landscaping & Land Issues
Q. What trees and shrubs are deer resistant?
A. We offer a list of plants to consider. The SMLA plant list (PDF) includes recommended trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering perennials that do well in this region.
Plants identified as “deer resistant” are just that – resistant. Deer are known to eat everything and anything if they are hungry. Consider also using deer repellent products.
Visit the Buffer Landscaping section of this website for more tips on landscaping around the lake.
Q. Do deer eat dogwood trees?
A. Young dogwood trees could be nibbled by deer. To be safe, cage them for the first few years to give them a chance to get established and large enough that the deer can’t eat all the leaves. An online search will show many ways to make effective tree cages, many that use materials you may already have on hand.
Visit the Buffer Landscaping section of this website for more tips on landscaping around the lake.
Q. Are magnolia trees deer resistant?
A. Magnolias are loved by young deer. Plant these trees inside of a fenced area if possible. Or, cage them for the first few years to give them a chance to get established and large enough that the deer can’t eat all the leaves. An online search will show many ways to make effective tree cages, many that use materials you may already have on hand.
Visit the Buffer Landscaping section of this website for more tips on landscaping around the lake.
Q. Who manages or controls weeks along the rip rap and shoreline?
A. Weed control in rip rap is managed by individual property owners.
Q. Is there anything being done to not allow development of currently undeveloped waterfront land?
A. SMLA is not currently aware of any local efforts to reduce lakefront development. The AEP Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and local county zoning regulations are the primary tools for managing development at SML.
Fishing and Fish Habitat
Q. Is DWR still stocking bass in SML?
A. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) does stock fish in SML. In 2024, DWR released largemouth bass (F1) and Roanoke Strain Striped Bass.
Q. Who installs fish habitats at the lake?
A. DWR installs fish habitats around the lake to ensure that fingerling fish have a place to hide against predators. Waterfront homeowners with a dock, in at least 6 feet of water, can host a fish habitat by contacting your local DWR office.
Q. Are fishing tournaments held at Smith Mountain Lake?
A. Yes, there are many tournaments each year at the lake. While no permit is required, DWR does require an access permit if the tournament plans to use one of DWR’s ramps. This is required by any group that wants to use their ramps as there is limited parking and events cannot interfere with other public users. Call 866-721-6911 or email customerservice@dwr.virginia.