Why is Norris Lake so clear?

Norris Lake is known for boating, fishing, and incredible mountain views, but one of its most iconic features is its stunning water clarity. While other lakes often appear cloudy or green, Norris Lake regularly boasts visibility 15–20 feet below the surface. So, what’s the secret?

Norris Lake’s location is a large factor:

• Norris Lake was formed in 1936 by the TVA in an area rich with limestone cliffs. As water flows through these formations, impurities are naturally filtered out, acting like a built-in purification system.

• The lake’s depth also plays a role. With some areas reaching over 200 feet, suspended particles settle instead of floating near the surface.

• Unlike lakes surrounded by farmland, Norris Lake’s shoreline is mostly forest. This reduces the amount of soil and fertilizer runoff during heavy rains.

TVA’s active management ensures quality:

• Shoreline projects must meet environmental standards to protect the lake.

• Water quality is regularly tested, and development is carefully reviewed to avoid erosion.

• The lake’s flow-through design helps keep algae and debris from building up.

In short, Norris Lake isn’t just beautiful, it’s naturally and strategically kept that way. Those iconic limestone cliffs aren’t just part of the view, they’re part of what makes Norris Lake one of the clearest bodies of water in Tennessee.