BURNET AND LLANO COUNTIES – The Lower Colorado River Authority is reminding residents that LCRA will lower Lake LBJ and Inks Lake for eight weeks beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, to assist in continued flood recovery and allow property owners an opportunity to make repairs and remove debris.
The eight-week drawdown will conclude on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020.
During the drawdown, Lake LBJ will be lowered 4 feet, and Inks Lake will be lowered 8 feet. LCRA cannot lower Lake LBJ more than 4 feet without risking interfering with operations at the Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant, a combined cycle power plant on the shores of Lake LBJ.
Lake LBJ will be lowered a foot a day for four days, and will reach its fully lowered level by Jan. 5. Inks Lake will be lowered a foot a day for eight days, and will reach its fully lowered level by Jan. 9.
The refill for both lakes will begin Feb. 24, and will be complete by Feb. 28.
In addition to assisting in flood recovery, the drawdown also provides water customers and lakeside residents an opportunity to remove debris, dredge, and repair and maintain docks, retaining walls and other shoreline property. Lowering the lakes during cold winter months also helps curb the growth of nuisance aquatic vegetation.
A permit is not required for dock repairs on Lake LBJ or 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 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 and answers to frequently asked questions, visit
lcra.org/lakelowerings.
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 outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations. For more information, visit
lcra.org.
Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org
Source: LCRA Business News
