LCRA TO PERFORM STUDY FOR POSSIBLE NEW RESERVOIR IN COLORADO CO.
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is exploring the possibility of building a new reservoir in Colorado County.
Authority's plans to potentially create a new
reservoir outside of Eagle Lake in Colorado County.
(courtesy LCRA)
According to a press release, LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson announced during a recent board of directors meeting that a feasibility study is planned for nearly 2,000 acres of property located northwest of Eagle Lake. The study is to determine if the land would be suitable for a reservoir that could assist with meeting water supply needs throughout the lower Colorado River basin.
The intent for the reservoir would be to hold between 48,000 and 80,000 acre-feet of water, larger than the Arbuckle Reservoir in Wharton County that was completed in October, which can hold up to 40,000 acre-feet. An acre-foot of water is equal to 325,851 gallons.
The LCRA says the new reservoir would work toward its goal of adding about 60,000 acre-feet of water supply by 2040.
Wilson said it is too early to go into any specifics on the project, because the LCRA needs to do its due diligence first. He said once the LCRA knows how the site could be utilized for off-channel storage and what is involved with the technical, environmental and permitting constraints, it can proceed with cost estimates, funding options and a timeline.