Lakes

The Lakes Division works to ensure Tuscaloosa has a dependable supply of high‑quality water while maintaining the City’s three reservoirs (Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol, and Harris Lake).

The main responsibilities of the Lakes Division are:

• Keeping the lakes safe for recreation and protecting them as sources of drinking water.
• Issuing and inspecting permits for dredging, tree removal, and structures on City property along the lakes.
• Maintaining shoreline areas, managing vegetation, removing debris, and placing safety buoys and signs.
• Maintaining water intake structures, assisting with lake‑related incidents, and responding to spills on or near the water.

Lake Tuscaloosa

Lake Tuscaloosa was completed in 1970 and is the primary source of drinking water for Tuscaloosa. The lake was created by damming the North River. It is 5885 acres and holds 40 billion gallons of water.

Lake Tuscaloosa provides the area with a valuable recreation area. The landscape features iconic southern pines and rolling hills which create long stretches of scenic overlooks and cozy, shaded inlets. Lake Tuscaloosa is renowned in the area for its year-round fishing and boating culture. 

Lake Nicol

Lake Nicol was completed in 1954 and serves as a backup for Lake Tuscaloosa. It is 384 acres, has a spillway elevation of 285.2 feet and holds approximately 3.3 billion gallons of water. Its tall lakeside cliffs offer visitors wide, sweeping views from several sides of the lake.

In addition to canoeing and swimming, Lake Nicol boasts a well-maintained park and is popular with bird watchers for its vast diversity of pine birds, songbirds, waterfowl and seasonal migrant birds. It is often included as one of the southeast's must-see destination for the bird watching community.

Harris Lake

Harris Lake, completed in 1929, is 220 acres and holds approximately 1 billion gallons of water. Because the entire property surrounding Harris Lake is protected park land, the lake offers a quiet, scenic place to relax and enjoy nature. Visitors can eat lunch on the large covered deck and explore natural trails that lead to Harris Dam.

Harris Lake is part of the Alabama Birding Trail, where many bird species can be seen in their natural habitat.

Contact Us