LCRA to lower Inks Lake in early 2018

​The Lower Colorado River Authority will lower Inks Lake for about six weeks in early 2018 to allow lakeside property owners an opportunity to repair and maintain docks, retaining walls and other shoreline property. The drawdown also will aid in curbing the growth of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

LCRA will lower the lake about 8 feet.

”Inks Lake was last drawn down in 2011, and property owners are eager for the opportunity to do maintenance and repairs in a lowered lake, which is safer and easier for them and poses less risk to water quality,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “But, I caution everyone about leaving construction equipment in the lakebed unattended. We live in Flash Flood Alley, and it’s not unheard of to get unexpected heavy rains that could cause the lake to rise suddenly and damage or destroy equipment left unattended.” 

Inks Lake will be lowered from about Jan. 2 to Feb. 13, 2018. The lake will be lowered about 2 feet a day from Jan. 2 through Jan. 5, for a total drawdown of about 8 feet. The refill will begin about Feb. 10, and will be completed by Feb. 13. 

To refill Inks Lake, water will be moved downstream from Lake Buchanan. The water to refill Inks Lake is equivalent to about 3.5 inches in Lake Buchanan, but the impact on Lake Buchanan could be reduced by additional inflows to Lake Buchanan or Inks Lake.

A permit is not required for dock repairs on Inks Lake during the drawdown, but all work must comply with LCRA’s Safety Standards for Residential Docks on the Highland Lakes. Maintenance, dredging, debris removal and repair work on existing retaining walls during the drawdown can be performed under LCRA’s permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but the work must be registered with LCRA before it begins. Registration forms are available:

  • Online at lcra.org/lakelowerings.
  • By calling LCRA Water Quality Protection at 512-578-2324.
  • In person at the LCRA Western Maintenance Facility, 2643 Wirtz Dam Road, Marble Falls, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Burning debris in the lakebed is not allowed.

For more information on work allowed on Inks Lake during the drawdown, visit lcra.org/lakelowerings or contact LCRA Water Quality Protection at 512-578-2324.

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering access to nature at more than 40 parks, recreation areas and river access sites along the Texas Colorado River, from the Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit lcra.org


Source: LCRA Business News

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