Terms of Use

Effective Date: September 18, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using LakeWatchers (the "Website" or "Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Service.

2. Public Hydrology & Safety Disclaimer

⚠️ Critical Navigation & Safety Notice:

Water levels, pool elevations, streamflows, and water temperatures published on LakeWatchers are retrieved from automated government gages (USACE, USGS, NOAA). Environmental sensors, telemetry modems, and stream gages are subject to latency, equipment malfunctions, drift, and maintenance outages.

LakeWatchers is intended strictly for preliminary trip planning and recreational informational purposes. It is not an official aid to navigation, flood warning system, or emergency forecasting agency. Boaters, anglers, swimmers, and lake property owners must always:

  • Verify current water conditions with the official governing authority (USACE project office, local river authority, or state wildlife department).
  • Remain vigilant for unmarked submerged hazards, dead trees, sandbars, and floating debris that shift with changing water elevations.
  • Comply with all state and federal boating safety regulations, life jacket mandates, and emergency advisories.

3. Intellectual Property & Fair Use

The LakeWatchers website design, trademarks, logos, custom visual components, and editorial content are the intellectual property of LakeWatchers. Public domain government data (USACE and USGS hydrologic records, NOAA meteorological forecasts) remains in the public domain.

4. Third-Party Guides, Marinas & Real Estate Referrals

The Website may display third-party advertisements, affiliate gear links, licensed real estate specialist referrals, and featured guide services. LakeWatchers does not own, operate, or directly employ these third-party businesses. Any agreement, transaction, charter booking, or real estate engagement entered into with a third party is solely between you and that third party.

5. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, LakeWatchers and its operators shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the information on this website, including but not limited to boating accidents, property damage, watercraft grounding, personal injury, or trip cancellations.

6. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to revise or update these Terms of Use at any time. Continued use of the website following any posted modifications constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

7. Contact Information

If you have questions regarding these Terms of Use, please reach out via our contact page or email legal@lakewatchers.com.