In 1976, 16 years after the construction of Lake Bowen, the Commissioners of Spartanburg Water authorized the creation of H. Taylor Blalock reservoir, now known as Lake Blalock. Between the years of 1970 and 1980, populations within Spartanburg County increased from approximately 173,000 to 201,000. To meet the steadily increasing demand of water usage and to ensure an even greater water supply for the future of Spartanburg County, Lake Blalock was constructed in 1983. Located within the Pacolet River Basin, Lake Blalock was formed by the waters of the Pacolet River and its tributaries. Today, Lake Blalock encompasses 1,105 acres and contains approximately 45 miles of shoreline. Along with an increased water supply, Lake Blalock offers many recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy Lake Blalock Park, a recreational park provided by Spartanburg Water that offers picnic pavilions, a dock for fishing, one boat ramp, and the Lake Blalock Warden’s Office. Much of the landscape within and around Lake Blalock is rural.