Lake Houston Levels Lowered For Rainy Season

HOUSTON, TX — Houston City Council Member Dave Martin announced that the daily pooling level of Lake Houston will be temporarily reduced from 42.5 feet to 40 feet.

"...the level of the Lake is temporarily being reduced for seasonal rain events until the river, lake, and interior channels can be dredged," Martin said in a statement.

The decision came after a meeting held Monday afternoon with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

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Shortly after that meeting, Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock directed the Coastal Water Authority to start lowering the level of Lake Houston in advance of Wednesday's predicted storms.

"This lower lake level will continue to be observed while the city works with area partners to address siltation and other coordination efforts with Lake Conroe," Martin said.

Once the lake is lowered to 40 feet it is the City of Houston's plan to adjust the spillway gates to maintain a level of 40 feet temporarily moving forward this rainy and hurricane season.

The lake is currently releasing 7,600 cubic feet per second, and the elevation is 40.52 feet. No major changes in policy have been made.

This temporary reduction addresses the immediate concerns of the Lake Houston Community, including Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, and Huffman.

On Tuesday, Harris County Commissioner's Court approved the request for qualifications for engineering and environmental permitting to support the dredging of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

Harris County will be working with the San Jacinto River Authority as well as other municipalities to accomplish this task which was a part of Gov. Greg Abbott's charges for the region.

"All parties are committed to working together to swiftly move the dredging project forward in preparation for this year's hurricane season," Martin said.

City officials have worked diligently over the last few weeks to ensure the efforts of dredging are not short lived. The visit of Texas Land Commissioner, George P. Bush, and continued communication with the Governor's office have allowed us to partner with the Aggregate Production Operators (APO) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

"The continued interest and participation of statewide leaders helps local efforts by assisting us in identifying red tape and providing solutions to these obstacles," Martin added.

On April 3, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is expected to be in the Houston area to tour the San Jacinto Watershed by air and water.

For more information, please contact the District E office at (832) 393-3008 or via email at districte@houstontx.gov.

Image: HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 30: Flooded homes are shown near Lake Houston following Hurricane Harvey August 30, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The city of Houston is still experiencing severe flooding in some areas due to the accumulation of historic levels of rainfall, though the storm has moved to the north and east. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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