LCRA to lower lakes LBJ, Marble Falls beginning Sunday

The Lower Colorado River Authority will begin drawing down lakes LBJ and Marble Falls on Sunday, Dec. 30.

During the eight-week drawdown, Lake LBJ will be lowered about 4 feet and Lake Marble Falls will be lowered about 7 feet. The refill will begin on Feb. 19 and will conclude on Feb. 23.

The lakes are being lowered as a community service to allow property owners and residents affected by recent flooding an opportunity to repair property, maintain infrastructure and remove debris.

The lakes will be lowered about one foot a day beginning Dec. 30, meaning Lake LBJ will be fully lowered by the end of the day on Jan. 2, and Lake Marble Falls will reach its lowered level by the end of the day on Jan. 5.

Lake LBJ serves as the cooling reservoir for the Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant, a 516-megawatt combined cycle plant that provides power to the Texas power grid. Four feet is the maximum LCRA can lower Lake LBJ without risking operations at the plant.

Water released during the drawdown will be moved downstream into Lake Travis.

A permit is not required for dock repairs on lakes LBJ and Marble Falls 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 or by calling LCRA Water Quality Protection at 512-578-2324.

Unforeseen circumstances, such as floods or power emergencies, could prompt LCRA to change or cancel the scheduled drawdown. Equipment and tools should not be left in the lake unattended and should be removed from the lakebed when not in use. 

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.

Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org


Source: LCRA Business News

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