Lake Harris Overlook
HISTORY of Lake Harris:
On March 6, 1889, the water works franchise was transferred from Jeter and Boardman to the Tuscaloosa Water Works Company, which operated the plant until about 1906, at which time the company went into the hands of the receiver. In November 1906, the City Council adopted an ordinance providing for an election on December 6, 1906, for the issuance of a $125,000 dollar water works bond. The voters approved the bond issue, and on April 29, 1907, the mayor authorized to bid $30, 000 for the water works property and the company accepted this bid. To operate the plant, the City by ordinance created a Water Works Commission of three men, Messrs. Blair, Oliver, and Faulkner.
After a population increased and a pollution problem, a new source of raw water was needed. In 1929 Harris Lake was completed. Lake Harris is a 220-acre lake with the storage capacity of approximately 1 billion gallons of water (approximately 815 million gallons of water have an elevation high enough to be removed). Harris Lake has two (2) of the first true arch dams in the state of Alabama. Harris Lake is used only for industrial water, at the present time. The Spillway elevation is 205.0 feet above mean sea level.
Look for more caches to appear around this hidden gem! The hiking trail is not too bad, however it can be dangerous for children. Please watch them and assist them while hiking around this beautiful lake!
Information obtained from the following web site: http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/index.asp?NID=226
Lake Harris Home of the University of Alabama Ski Team! - If you visit during certain times of the year you may be able to see the ski team practice! Lake Harris is surrounded by high hills and a beautiful quite forest. Located in Lake Harris is a custom made water ski ramp that is used for tournaments and practice. The ski teams receives a new Mastercraft boat each year!
Visit Alabama's Ski team page here: http://www.bama.ua.edu/~skibama/