What is conservation level?
The amount of water an entity can impound at a reservoir under its Water Rights Permit. Once a reservoir fills its conservation pool, any water above that level must be discharged unless the water is being temporarily stored for routing flood waters.
Conservation Levels for TRWD Lakes
Richland-Chambers 315.0
Bridgeport 836.0
Eagle Mountain 649.1
Cedar Creek 322.0
Conservation Levels for Non-TRWD Lakes
Arlington 550.0
Benbrook 694.0
Lake Worth 594.0
How do you decide how much water to release at each lake?
We use sophisticated computer models to inform how we operate TRWD lakes. Engineers and management work together to decide what is best for the TRWD system. Our primary concern is the integrity of TRWD dams. TRWD has a flood flowage easement to elevation 668 feet on Eagle Mountain Lake and 856 feet on Lake Bridgeport. Improvements within the flood flowage easement are located there at the owner’s risk.
Why don’t you pre-release when the weather predicts significant rainfall?
TRWD’s flood management operations do not allow pre-releases for several reasons. (1) TRWD does not have the legal right to pre-release downstream. (2) Any water released when a lake is not above its conservation level counts against TRWD’s permitted water supply amount; taking away from water that is no longer able to be used by Tarrant County citizens. (3) Frequently, the expected rainfall does not actually fall or does not reach TRWD reservoirs. The unpredictability of the weather makes these pre-releases too risky.
Why are you discharging water?
The amount of water an entity can impound at a reservoir under its Water Rights Permit. Once a reservoir fills its conservation pool, any water above that level must be discharged unless the water is being temporarily stored for routing flood waters.
What is a Flood Flowage Easement and how is it used by the district?
A flowage easement grants a reservoir operator, such as TRWD, a full, complete and perpetual right, power, privilege and easement to occasionally overflow, flood and submerge lands in connection with the operation and maintenance of a lake.
What is the current lake level?
To monitor lake elevations, visit TRWD’s Lake Level Blog. Current lake elevations are also listed on the upper right corner of our website.
How long will it take for the water to recede once it has crested?
TRWD forecasters can typically provide an estimated calculation and can be reached during flood operations at 817-720-4296. Forecasted elevations are also posted on TRWD’s Lake Level Blog. The blog is updated regularly when TRWD believes there is a potential threat to lake-area homes. Values are based on no additional rain.
What happens if you close a lake?
Lake closures at TRWD reservoirs are posted on TRWD’s Lake Level Blog and Facebook page. Information for Lake Worth can be found on the City of Fort Worth’s news page. Lake Bridgeport typically closes around 837.0 feet and Eagle Mountain typically closes around 650.5 feet. Each lake closure is evaluated individually based on forecasted inflows and outflows.
I live on a TRWD reservoir, should I ever be worried about my house flooding?
First, you should determine if you live in a floodplain. A floodplain is land bordering rivers and lakes subject to flooding and will be noted in your title policy when the homeowner purchased the house. As a naturally occurring feature of the landscape, a floodplain carries excess water when heavy rains cause streams to overflow. No matter what size or shape, all floodplains have one thing in common – they flood. To find out if you live on a floodplain and the frequency of flood risks, examine legal documents, such as your loan documents or deeds.
If the area by my house floods, will TRWD provide sandbags?
TRWD provides sandbags when resources are available. We will notify potentially affected lake area residents about their availability on our Facebook page.
Does TRWD help with cleanup after a flood, such as logs washed into lawns or floating debris?
Homeowners are responsible for their own property. If there is debris that is a hazard to navigation, TRWD will remove it. Otherwise, this is a natural occurrence. Any public assistance with cleanups will be posted on TRWD’s website and Facebook page.
