South River (Ocmulgee River tributary)
Tributary of the Ocmulgee River in the U.S. state of Georgia
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The South River is a 63.5-mile-long (102.2 km)[1] tributary of the Ocmulgee River in the U.S. state of Georgia. It originates in the city of East Point in Fulton County and eventually flows into the reservoir, Jackson Lake. Jackson Lake contains the confluence of the South River, Yellow River, and Alcovy River and its outflow is the Ocmulgee River.
| South River | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • location | Georgia |
| Mouth | Jackson Lake |
• elevation | 528 ft (161 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries | |
| • right | Walnut Creek |
The present name "South River" is derived from shortening and alteration of the original name South Branch Ocmulgee River.[2]
In 2021, non-profit American Rivers placed the South River fourth on its list of America's Most Endangered Rivers, citing "the egregious threat that ongoing sewage pollution poses to clean water and public health."[3]
River course
The river daylights just north of Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in the city of East Point, Georgia.[4] It proceeds to flow in a southeasterly direction through suburbs of Atlanta, eventually flowing into Jackson Lake. The mean flow on the river is 1380cfs, with a mean gauge height of 7.86 feet (2.40 m).[5]
The most notable rapid on the river is Snapping Shoals, located on the county line between Henry County and Newton County. The shoal is classified as Class III rapids.[6]
The dam immediately before Snapping Shoals was once used as a hydro-electric production plant to power a local machine shop.[7]