It provides hydroelectric power, a public water supply and a recreational getaway for millions of people. By law, the electricity generated at Beaver Lake is sold to rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities and military installations. Southwestern Power Administration, a Department of Energy agency, markets power to approximately 100 power utilities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. Nearly 7 million people and businesses receive power from these utilities. Two generating units each produce 56,000 kilowatts of power.
Hydroelectric power is very economical.
Back To Top Water Supply Beaver Lake is the primary source of fresh water for most of Northwest Arkansas. Since 1968, the demand on Beaver Lake as a public water supply source has increased dramatically. Today, the lake provides fresh water for approximately 300 thousand residents in Benton, Washington, Carroll, Boone and Madison counties. The main, middle and west forks of the White River, War Eagle Creek, Brush Creek and Richland Creek are the major tributaries of Beaver Lake. The Beaver Lake watershed is comprised of 1,186 square miles of drainage above the dam.