The Douglas County Sentinel (requires registration) is reporting today that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a water quality stream monitoring workshop at the Sweetwater Creek State Conservancy Park. The workshop is part of the “Adopt a Stream” program and will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. covering four topics: “temperature of air and water, pH (acidity), dissolved oxygen and conductivity.”

Those interested in participating are urged to register by calling DNR Coordinator Allison Hughes at 404-675-1635 or via e-mail allison.hughes@dnr.state.ga.us.

In the past two days a welcome rain has fallen, but water supplies are still low. The George H. Sparks Reservoir, which is the main water resource for the city of East Point, is thriving from the rains. Prior to the rolling storms of moisture that have come, panoramic photographs of the reservoir were captured to tell the story of the drought.

These sweeping views of the reservoir reflect how much water remains and the scenes that can be seen today. Islands of silt protrude from the water’s surface while fishermen play for a tug on the line. View the whole overflow for the reservoir in its entirety; a place that should have water flowing into Sweetwater Creek on a normal basis.

The dryness is vast and compelling, unlike anything seen in many decades. When will the drought end is an unknown answer. For every day of rain is an added day of drinking water.

The next day trip to the George H. Sparks Reservoir involved a walk on the far side of the lake where there used to be suitable fishing spots. Entangled roots of pine trees that once hid beneath the waterline are fully exposed. The hunger for water was clear as the roots took on a presence of stretching out for the distant water that lay ahead.

A silt covered floating dock laid helpless to its tie down ropes as the water flowed by yards away. Trekking to the water supply was the discovery of a dry culvert. No water flow, only stagnate bodies that were home to small fishes. This particular culvert was replaced after the roadway had washed out from torrential rains of Hurricane Dennis.

Further down was another culvert spewing out the remaining water of Beaver Creek. The creek usually fills the other reservoir across from Mt. Vernon Road, however it too has run dry. It was then off to the south side of the lake.

Receding water reveals trash about on the lake bed. From pallets to rusted-out trash cans, these are normal objects found along the now-present shore. Not shortly after a turn was the overflow area where excess water from the reservoir would flow into Sweetwater Creek.

This is no longer the case. Hoping over the two-foot concrete barrier led to a discrete drop off. A canyon carved by water ominously silent. Motionless pools reflected the sky like a leaf covered mirror. The overflow remained absent in its duties. The forecast predicted rain, soon.

The presence of the historical drought has hit the state of Georgia with a devastating blow. Lakes and reservoirs are becoming barren lands, crackled skins yearning for the smallest hint of rain. Douglas County has its share of reservoirs, most notably the Dog River Reservoir, but another has yet to see much press.

Tucked away in the Sweetwater Creek State Conservation Park is the George H. Sparks Reservoir. A familiar sight to those that drive down Mt. Vernon Road that serves as a dam. The Sparks Reservoir serves the residents East Point, a city near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Originally known as the Beaver Dam Reservoir, Douglas County sold an extensive amount of land belonging to the McCrary family in 1960 to the City of East Point in order for them to build a reservoir. Later the reservoir would be renamed after George H. Sparks, the Public Utilities Director of East Point.

On average water would cover over 215 acres in the state park. Today it is possible to hike the whole perimeter of the lake with ease, a feat not possible on a normal basis. Floating docks sit restlessly and boats are off limits. The reservoir serves as the major water source for the city of East Point.

These photographs were taken two days before the rains came on Friday.