Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of the boat ramp and public fishing?
310 Social Circle - Fairplay Road, Social Circle, GA 30025
What are the hours for fishing?
Sun up to sun down.
Do I have to have a fishing license?
Refer to Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
How much does it cost?
$10.00 BOAT RAMP PARKING PERMIT FEES:
$10 PER DAY PER VEHICLE (USE ENVELOPE PROVIDED)
ANNUAL PARKING PERMIT
$60 Walton / Oconee Residents ONLY
$75 NON-RESIDENTS
(must be purchased through Walton County Water Department office)
$100 FINE (MINIMUM) FOR NO PARKING PERMIT OR MISUSE OF PARKING PERMIT
Purpose and Need for the Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir Project?
Water is essential to life, making its total health and economic value immeasurable. Based on current and future population projections for both Walton and Oconee County, existing water supply resources will be depleted over time due to anticipated growth. The Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir Project will provide an additional 52 million gallons per day of reliable and sustainable water supply for Walton and Oconee County, and ensure our future quality of life the continued economic viability of our communities.
How large will the dam and reservoir be?
The proposed dam will be approximately 1,900 feet long, 600 feet wide and the base, and 98 feet high. The reservoir pool will cover approximately 1,370 acres, with 42 miles of shoreline. At full capacity, the reservoir will hold 12 billion gallons of water, and will yield 52 million gallons of additional water supply capacity.
Who will receive the water from the reservoir?
The current and future customers of the Walton County Water and Sewerage Authority, Oconee County Utility Department, and other regional wholesale customers including the City of Loganville, City of Social Circle and the City of Jersey.
What is the construction schedule?
| Project Phase | Start | Completion |
| Land Acquisition | 2005 | 2013 |
| Reservoir Construction | 2012 | 2015 |
| Reservoir Fills | 2015 | 2018 |
| Reservoir Complete | ------ | 2018 |
How much will the project cost?
Construction of the Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir is projected to cost $85 Million; including land acquisition (2,205 acres), clearing and grubbing, construction of the reservoir dam, water intake structure, required road relocations, and wetland/stream mitigation. Currently, all phases of the project are trending under budget. The Water Treatment Facility and Apalachee River Diversion will be included under future phases of the project.
Why is regional water resources management important?
Because waterways don’t follow government-drawn boundaries, the water resources of a given region must serve all communities within that region. Through regional water supply partnerships, communities can reduce the overall cost of water source development, while having less impact on the environment.
How long will it take to fill the reservoir?
Initial projections are 2 to 3 years based on average historic rainfall data.
Once the reservoir is filled, what kind of recreational activities will be allowed?
The Reservoir Management Board has appointed a Recreation Committee to evaluate recreational alternatives, development costs, and operational considerations. The Recreation Committee is scheduled to issue final recommendations in August 2014. Possible recreational opportunities may include fishing and boating (electric motors only), picnic and passive recreational areas, and walking trails.
Since the Reservoir’s primary purpose is drinking water supply, some activities will be prohibited in order to protect water quality. Per State Regulations, swimming will not be allowed.