VICKSBURG– The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District will begin conducting a “De-Water” inspection at Sardis Lake on August 12.  The lower lake water level will be drawn down so that necessary inspections can be made in the conduit and outlet channel.
The conduit is the oval shaped tunnel that carries water 560 feet from the gatehouse on the upper lake, through the dam, and empties into the outlet channel and the lower lake. The outlet channel area will be closed to fishing and public access until all inspections have been completed.  
Boaters will still be allowed to access the lower lake although they are advised to be cautious of low water conditions. Low water conditions will also affect the three swimming beaches on the lower lake. Beach access at Paradise Point, Main Beach, and Cypress Point will be closed as water levels make the swim areas unusable.
These inspections occur every five years as part of the Corps of Engineers Dam Safety Program and usually take approximately one month to complete.
With approximately 1.3 million visitors each year, Sardis Lake contributes approximately $26 million into the local economy. For more information visit www.mvk.usace.army.mil.