After Anderson County's emergency order was issued, officials hoped to have dam repairs done by July, in part because the lake is a popular summer recreation spot. But the geotechnical investigation of the site, a process that includes studying the properties of the soil, took much longer than expected.
"We could not get a repair designed until that geotechnical aspect was finished," said Jon Batson, the county's stormwater manager. "Now, we hope to have a repair designed by next week and then the project would go out for bids."
Batson said the major part of the repair will focus on a concrete headwall that has significant erosion around and under it. Workers will also have to fix erosion in other areas and remove trees that threaten the dam.
County Administrator Rusty Burns said the cost of the project remains unknown. Estimates vary between $200,000 and $500,000.
Before any repairs can start, the health department must issue permits for the work. County officials estimate that getting the permits could take at least two to three months.
In the meantime, the lower water level is already affecting activity around Broadway Lake. Anderson County's parks department regularly rents out the Broadway Lake Community Center at McFalls Landing for private events, parties and weddings, but has recently lost some prospective renters.
"We have had four or five people for whom the water level has been a deal breaker," said Sharon Nicometo, who manages the building rental. "They are planning out events months in advance, and I can't look them in the face and guarantee them that the lake level is going to be restored by a certain time."
At least one bride who had reserved the building moved her wedding reception elsewhere, Nicometo said.
"We are lucky that there is still a lot of interest in the location, so usually, when someone pulls out, there is someone waiting to take the slot," she said. "There are only a few weekends that are empty."
Broadway Lake was created in 1940, with funding and a workforce secured through the Works Progress Administration. The lake was made by building a dam at the point where Broadway Creek and Neals Creek converge. The lake measures roughly a square mile.
"We know that what is happening at the lake is a huge inconvenience to the people who live on it and who like to enjoy it," Burns said. "We are addressing things as quickly as we can."