KNOXVILLE, TENN. — The Tennessee Valley Authority warned that the region is nearly ten inches behind normal rainfall levels for this time of year, leaving reservoirs unlikely to reach summer pool levels without multiple widespread rain events. The agency advised boaters to watch for hazards such as exposed rocks, shallow coves, debris and sandbars that are typically submerged during the summer season.

"We need multiple rain events," said Ben Heath, operations support manager for TVA's River Forecast Center. He said Tennessee needs a major rain event or several smaller ones to produce enough runoff to raise reservoirs to summer pool levels.

Heath compared current ground conditions to a dry sponge that must be saturated before runoff can begin. "Think of that soil right now as being that dry sponge. You've got to wet the sponge first, and then we're going to start getting that runoff," he said.

"The next few days look like we're gonna get a little bit of rain," he said. "Is that enough? The answer is no, but again, we will track every drop that we get."

At Sun Life Concord Marina, James Bisch said Tennessee has not had much rainfall recently and that lower lake levels are beginning to affect business and the ability of customers to get out on the water. He said the water is not high enough for some boats to launch and that some remain stuck on a lift.

Bisch said he has received numerous complaints from boaters asking when the lake water level will be raised. He said East Tennesseans will continue finding ways to get on the water whenever possible.