Trinity River Authority Warns Public About Under Water Hazards on Lake Livingston

Livingston-As the 2006 summer recreational season gets in full swing, the Trinity River Authority wants to alert the public to under water hazards in Lake Livingston.  The lake level remains more that 2.5 feet below normal pool level bringing a large number of under water hazards such as standing timber, stumps and other objects closer to the surface. 

Some trees and stumps protrude above the surface of the lake and are clearly visible but others are just below the surface and not visible above the water line.  Anyone swimming, boating or using a personal watercraft on the lake should use extreme caution and be on the lookout for under water hazards.  Users of the lake should remain aware of water depths at all times.

Under water hazards are widespread in reservoirs, especially those that have low water levels due to ongoing drought.  Floating hazards such as trees, vegetation and other objects that wash down from the river, or are blown in from the shores of the reservoir, are also common.

Built, owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority of Texas, Lake Livingston was constructed primarily for the purpose of water supply with a secondary purpose to support recreational activities. 
The lake covers approximately 83,000 surface acres, with a normal pool elevation of 131 feet above mean sea level.   

Lake Livingston was lowered to 127 MSL to facilitate a repair to the dam, which was damaged by wind and waves during Hurricane Rita.  As of April 26, 2006, the repair was substantially complete and the lake is being allowed to return to the normal pool level in response to rainfall and runoff in the Trinity
River watershed upstream of the dam.  The current lake level stands at 128.32 MSL. 

Until the lake level is fully restored, recreational users should be extra cautious to look for, and avoid, under water hazards.

For more information contact Spencer Karr at 936-365-2292 or Debbie Bronson at 817-467-4343