The Flowage Easement Trap
What Is a TVA Flowage Easement?
Your deed likely mentions a Flowage Easement, which means:
- The TVA has the legal right to flood a portion of your land to control Tennessee River water levels.
- Lenders often classify this as a Severe Risk, even when the home sits far above normal lake elevation.
Why It Matters for Insurance
Even if FEMA shows your home in Zone X (low risk), lenders may still mandate flood insurance due to the easement—not because of FEMA rules, but because of TVA’s authority.
How We Reduce Your Premium
We review your survey and elevation data:
- If your home’s Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG) is above the easement line,
- We can challenge mandatory high-cost premiums or help secure more affordable private flood insurance.
High-Risk Watch List (Lake Guntersville)
Claysville
Low-lying backwater areas flood when river levels spike, especially after prolonged precipitation.
Downtown Scottsboro
Historic drainage challenges create frequent flash flooding around the courthouse square and surrounding streets.
Albertville (Sand Mountain)
Despite its elevation plateau, clay soil prevents absorption—causing rapid runoff and garage flooding even in Zone X neighborhoods.
