Lake Info
Below is data Steve Chick has obtained from SRA and/or Dallas Water Utilities regarding Lake Fork levels, evaporation, release rates and pumping rates by Dallas Utilities
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To check the levels on all Texas lakes, click on the following link -- Texas Lakes
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To view Fishing Regulations for Lake Fork, click on the following link -- Regulations
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Click this link to view the current Lake Fork Level
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Thanks Steve Chick for all your hard work to keep us informed in Royal Oak
After 6 years of producing the Lake Fork Water Updates I believe it has probably more than served its purpose.
Below are a few general observations.
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Annually we can expect to lose about 6 feet of water due to evaporation.
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Dallas can pump up to about 4.5 feet of water annually, but they have been actually using much less than that. My recent discussion with them indicates they will continue this trend unless we get into a prolonged drought.
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Downstream communities actually only average about a half foot of water annually drawn from the lake. Even though that pipe next to the dam releases water continuously it actually amounts to very little water removed from the lake. This includes the water taken by the intake above the 2946 bridge.
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Water released through the floodgates is the wild card depending on storm events each spring. Releases have ranged from 0 to as much as 12 feet, but any time the lake rises to about a foot over full pool the SRA will release water.
Thank you for your interest and support for this water report over the past 6 years.
December 2020
Below is the updated water report through December 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 402.20 or 0.80 below full pool. On this date in 2020 the lake was 2.04 below full pool and in 2019 the lake was 0.40 below full pool. Amazingly, Dallas only pumped 2.2 acre-foot of water from Lake Fork in December.
December Precipitation = 5.32 inches
December Evaporation = 2.80 inches or about 5,800 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for December (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 595.5 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for December = 2.2 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in December = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in December = About 6,397.7 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.03% from Dallas pumping, 90.66% from evaporation and 9.31% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through December 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 65.91 inches, which equals about 142,805 acre-feet or about 5.5 feet of water removed from the lake. This equals about 46.5 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 57.62 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 10,747.4 acre feet, which equals about 5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.5 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,438.8 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 12.2 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 100% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 22% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates so far this year. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days so far this year, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through December 2020 = 342,334.9 acre-feet or about 13.2 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 112 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through December. 47.5% of the water removed from the lake through December was from water releases through the flood gates, 41.7% was due to evaporation, 3.1% was due to releases for downstream communities and 7.7% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
November 2020
Below is the updated water report through November 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 400.65 or 2.35 below full pool. On this date in 2019 the lake was 2.20 below full pool and in 2018 the lake was 0.38 above full pool. Amazingly, Dallas only pumped 1.0 acre-foot of water from Lake Fork in November.
November Precipitation = 0.65 inches
November Evaporation = 3.65 inches or about 7,500 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for November (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,177.4 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for November = 1.0 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in November = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in November = About 8,678.4 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.01% from Dallas pumping, 86.42% from evaporation and 13.57% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through November 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 63.11 inches, which equals about 136,700 acre-feet or about 5.3 feet of water removed from the lake. This equals about 44.5 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 52.30 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 10,151.9 acre feet, which equals about 4.7 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,436.6 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 12.2 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 92% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 22% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates so far this year. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days so far this year, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through November 2020 = 335,632.2 acre-feet or about 12.9 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 109 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through November. 48.4% of the water removed from the lake through November was from water releases through the flood gates, 40.7% was due to evaporation, 3.0% was due to releases for downstream communities and 7.9% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
October 2020
Below is the updated water report through October 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 400.86 or 2.14 below full pool. On this date in 2019 the lake was 2.06 below full pool and in 2018 the lake was 0.07 above full pool. Amazingly Dallas only pumped 3.5 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork in October and no water was released through the flood gates.
October Precipitation = 1.67 inches
October Evaporation = 4.67 inches or about 9,612 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for October (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,217.7 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for October = 3.5 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in October = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in October = About 10,833.2 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.03% from Dallas pumping, 88.73% from evaporation and 11.24% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through October 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 59.46 inches, which equals about 123,875 acre-feet or about 5 feet of water removed from the lake. This equals about 40 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 51.65 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 8,974.5 acre feet, which equals about 4.3 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.9 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,435.6 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 12.7 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 83% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates so far this year. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days so far this year, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through October 2020 = 321,628.8 acre-feet or about 12.9 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 105 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through October. 50.5% of the water removed from the lake through October was from water releases through the flood gates, 38.5% was due to evaporation, 2.8 % was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.2% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
September 2020
Below is the updated water report through September 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 401.22 or 1.78 below full pool. On this date in 2019 the lake was 1.83 below full pool and in 2018 the lake was 1.85 below full pool. Amazingly Dallas only pumped 4.5 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork in September and no water was released through the flood gates.
September Precipitation = 6.74 inches
September Evaporation = 5.34 inches or about 11,125 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for September (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,183.2 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for September = 4.5 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in September = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in September = About 12,312.7 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.04% from Dallas pumping, 90.35% from evaporation and 9.61% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through September 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 54.79 inches, which equals about 114,146 acre-feet or about 4.5 feet of water removed from the lake. This equals about 37 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 49.98 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 7,756.8 acre feet, which equals about 3.7 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.5 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,432.1 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 12.6 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 75% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates so far this year. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days so far this year, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through September 2020 = 310,678.6 acre-feet or about 12 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 101 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through September. 52.3% of the water removed from the lake through September was from water released through the flood gates, 36.7% was due to evaporation, 2.5 % was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.5% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
August 2020
Below is the updated water report through August 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 401.52 or 1.48 below full pool. On this date in 2019 the lake was 1.12 below full pool and in 2018 the lake was 2.32 below full pool. Amazingly Dallas only pumped 6.5 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork in August and no water was released through the flood gates.
August Precipitation = 3.07 inches
August Evaporation = 10.41 inches or about 21,860 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for August (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,233.3 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for August = 6.5 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in August = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in August = About 23,100 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.03% from Dallas pumping, 94.63% from evaporation and 5.34% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through August 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 49.45 inches, which equals about 88,431 acre-feet. This equals about 29 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 43.24 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 6,573.6 acre feet, which equals about 3.1 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.7 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,427.6 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 12 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 67% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.1% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates so far this year. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days so far this year, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through August 2020 = 283,775.9 acre-feet or about 10.7 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 92.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through August. 57.2% of the water removed from the lake through August was from water releases through the flood gates, 31.2% was due to evaporation, 2.3 % was due to releases for downstream communities and 9.3% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
July 2020
Below is the updated water report through July 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 401.94 or just 1.06 below full pool. On this date in 2019 the lake was just 0.66 below full pool and in 2018 the lake was 2.01 below full pool. Amazingly Dallas only pumped 6.8 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork in July and no water was released through the flood gates.
July Precipitation = 1.73 inches
July Evaporation = 9.50 inches or about 20,500 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for July (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,230.1 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for July = 6.8 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in July = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in July = About 21,740 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.03% from Dallas pumping, 94.3% from evaporation and 5.67% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through July 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 39.04 inches, which equals about 87,800 acre-feet. This equals about 29 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 40.17 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 5,340.3 acre feet, which equals about 2.4 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.7 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,421.1 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 11.5 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 58% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through July. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days through July, however no water has been released through the gates since May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through July 2020 = 281,905.6 acre-feet or about 10.4 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 92 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through July. 57.6% of the water removed from the lake through July was from water releases through the flood gates, 31.1% was due to evaporation, 1.9 % was due to releases for downstream communities and 9.4% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
June 2020
Below is some updated information for June 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 403.73 or just 0.27 below full pool. Amazingly Dallas only pumped 4.8 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork in June and no water was released through the flood gates.
June Precipitation = 4.58 inches
June Evaporation = 9.09 inches or about 20,975 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for June (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,190.7 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for June = 4.8 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in June = 0 acre feet.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in June = About 22,170.5 acre-feet with 0% of that from releases through the flood gates, 0.03% from Dallas pumping, 94.6% from evaporation and 5.37% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through June 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 29.54 inches, which equals about 68,164 acre-feet. This equals about 22 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 38.44 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 4,110.7 acre feet, which equals about 1.8 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,414.3 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 11.5 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 50% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through June. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days through June.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through June 2020 = 261,032.7 acre-feet or about 9.4 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 85 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through June. 62.2% of the water removed from the lake through June was from water releases through the flood gates, 26.1% was due to evaporation, 1.6 % was due to releases for downstream communities and 10.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
May 2020
May Precipitation = 8.71 inches
May Evaporation = 7.49 inches or about 17,283 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for May (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 597.6 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for May = 3,064.3 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in May = 22,957.7 acre feet, which is about 10 inches of water removed from the surface of the lake. About 7.5 billion gallons of water went through the gates in May. 1 or more gates were open 5 days in May.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in May = About 43,902.6 acre-feet with 52.3% of that from releases through the flood gates, 6.9% from Dallas pumping, 39.4% from evaporation and 1.4% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through May 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 20.45 inches, which equals about 47,188 acre-feet. This equals about 15.4 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 33.86 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,920 acre feet, which equals about 1.3 inch of water off the lake. This equals about 952 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 26,409.5 acre-feet or about 8.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 11.5 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 42% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 20.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 162,343.7 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through May. This equals about 52.9 billion gallons or nearly 5.86 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 60 days through May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through May 2020 = 238,861.2 acre-feet or about 8.6 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 77.8 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through May. 67.9% of the water removed from the lake through May was from water releases through the flood gates, 19.8% was due to evaporation, 1.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 11.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
April 2020
Below is some updated information for April 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 403.10 or 0.10 above full pool.
April Precipitation = 3.70 inches
April Evaporation = 3.91 inches or about 9,022 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for April (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 580.7 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for April = 4,976.6 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in April = 5,444.6 acre feet, which is about 2.4 inches of water removed from the surface of the lake. About 1.8 billion gallons of water went through the gates in April. 1 or more gates were open 16 days in April.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in April = About 20,023.9 acre-feet with 27.2% of that from releases through the flood gates, 24.9% from Dallas pumping, 45% from evaporation and 2.9% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through April 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 13.01 inches, which equals about 30,021 acre-feet. This equals about 9.8 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 25.15 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,322.4 acre feet, which equals about 1.0 inch of water off the lake. This equals about 757 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 23,345.2 acre-feet or about 7.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 10.1 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 33% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 17.9% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 139,386 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through April. This equals about 45 billion gallons or nearly 5 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 55 days through April.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through April 2020 = 195,074.6 acre-feet or about 7 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 63 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through April. 71.4% of the water removed from the lake through April was from water releases through the flood gates, 15.4% was due to evaporation, 1.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 12% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
March 2020
Below is some updated information for March 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 402.74 or just 0.26 below full pool. The SRA strives to maintain the lake at about 0.50 feet below full pool during the spring to allow a cushion for storm runoff.
March Precipitation = 8.09 inches
March Evaporation = 3.91 inches or about 8,798 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for March = 593.1 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for March = 8,480.1 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in March = 73,211.5 acre feet, which is about 2.7 feet of water removed from the surface of the lake. Just under 24 billion gallons of water went through the gates in March. 1 or more gates were open 23 days in March.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in March = About 91,082.7 acre-feet with 80.3% of that from releases through the flood gates, 9.3% from Dallas pumping, 9.7% from evaporation and 0.7% from water released for downstream communities.
Totals Through March 2020
Evaporation for 2020 = 9.10 inches, which equals about 20,098 acre-feet. This equals about 6.5 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2020 = 21.45 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2020 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,741.7 acre feet, which equals about 0.77 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 567 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2020 = 18,368.6 acre-feet or about 6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 8.2 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 25% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 14% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Note: I have been tracking Dallas water use since 2016 and this is the most Dallas has pumped for the January to March time frame.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2020 = 133,941.4 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through March. This equals about 44 billion gallons or nearly 5 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 39 days through March.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through March 2020 = 174,149.7 acre-feet or about 6.5 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 56 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through March. 76.9% of the water removed from the lake through March was from water releases through the flood gates, 11.5% was due to evaporation, 1.0% was due to releases for downstream communities and 10.6% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
February 2020
Below is some updated information for February 2020. As I am writing this the lake is at 402.78 or just 0.22 below full pool. The SRA strives to maintain the lake at about 0.50 feet below full pool during the spring to allow a cushion for storm runoff. That is why we have seen 1 gate open so much lately as they slowly pull the lake down.
February Precipitation = 6.58 inches
February Evaporation = 2.95 inches or about 6,500 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for February = 554.9 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for February = 4,807.6 acre-feet.
Water Released through the Tainter Flood Gates in February = 60,729.9 acre feet, which is about 2.3 feet of water removed from the surface of the lake. Just under 20 billion gallons of water went through the gates in February. 1 or more gates were open 14 days in February.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in February = About 72,592.4 acre-feet with 83.7% of that from releases through the gates, 6.6% from Dallas pumping, 8.9% from evaporation and 0.8% from water released for downstream communities.
Note: The SRA has installed restrooms at some of the boat ramps, but they have been experiencing vandalism. In one case someone used a truck to drive over an outhouse ripping if from its base. That resulted in $2000 of damage. The SRA requests everyone's vigilance in watching for such vandalism and report any suspicious activity to the police. If this continues then the boat ramps could go back to the way they were with no restrooms.
January 2020
Below is some update information for January 2020. As I am writing this the lake has come up to within 0.50 feet of full pool and is still rising.
January Precipitation = 6.78 inches
January Evaporation = 2.24 inches or about 4,800 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities = 593.7 acre-feet.
Water Pumped by Dallas for January = 5,080.9 acre-feet. This is actually a little less than January of 2019, but significantly more than January of 2018.
No water was released through the Tainter Flood Gates in January.
Total Water Removed from Lake Fork in January = about 10,475 acre-feet with about 49% of that from Dallas pumping, 46% from evaporation and 5% from water released for downstream communities.
December 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for December 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.01, so the lake is 1.99 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 402.56, so it was 0.44 feet below full pool. On this date in 2018 it was 1.18 feet below full pool.
The lake currently covers 24,768 acres, so it is covering 2,922 acres less than when it is at full pool.
Evaporation for December 2019 = 2.76 inches or about 5,700 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.9 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in December.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for December 2019 = 1.52 inches.
Water Released for December 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 595.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.30 inches taken off the lake in December and equals about 194 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for December 2019 = 6,502.0 acre-feet or about 2.1 billion gallons. This is equal to about 3.2 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for December 2019 = No water was released through the gates during December.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for December 2019 = 12,797.9 acre-feet or about 6.2 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 4.2 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during December. 0% of the water removed from the lake in December was from water releases through the flood gates, 44.5% was due to evaporation, 4.7% was due to releases for downstream communities and 50.8% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through December 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 69.54 inches or 5.8 feet, which equals about 150,000 acre-feet. This equals about 49 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 51.17 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 10,820.5 acre feet, which equals about 5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.5 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 62,434 acre-feet or about 20.3 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.4 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. Dallas pumped about 48% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Note: Dallas pumped considerably more water in 2019 than they did in previous years. Last year they had pumped about 30,991.3 acre-feet and the previous year 38,287.9 acre feet. The good news is they are still taking a lot less than they are entitled to pump.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates in 2019. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July through December.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork in 2019 = 546,662 acre-feet or about 21 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 178 billion gallons of water removed from the lake in 2019. 59.2% of the water removed from the lake was from water releases through the flood gates, 27.4% was due to evaporation, 2.0% was due to releases for downstream communities and 11.4% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
In general we can normally expect to lose about 6 feet of water due to evaporation. Dallas can take up to 5 feet, but so far they are taking about 2.5 feet. Downstream communities normally take only about 0.5 feet. The real unknown is how much water will be released through the Tainter flood gates when the lake is over full pool. This year that was almost 12 feet of water.
November 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for November 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 400.76, so the lake is 2.26 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 403.30, so it was 0.30 feet above full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 1.50 feet below full pool.
Note: It is pretty amazing how fast the surface of Lake Fork shrinks as the lake goes down. With the lake 2.26 feet below full pool the surface area of the lake has shrunk from 27,690 acres to 24,609 acres, so there are now 3,081 acres of exposed lake bottom.
Evaporation for November 2019 = 2.44 inches or about 5,000 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in November.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for November 2019 = 1.36 inches.
Water Released for November 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,332.2 acre-feet. This equals about 0.65 inches taken off the lake in November and equals about 434 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for November 2019 = 3,884.9 acre-feet or about 1.3 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.9 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for November 2019 = No water was released through the gates during November.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for November 2019 = 10,215 acre-feet or about 5 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 3.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during November. 0% of the water removed from the lake in November was from water releases through the flood gates, 49% was due to evaporation, 13% was due to releases for downstream communities and 38% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through November 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 66.78 inches or 5.6 feet, which equals about 145,000 acre-feet. This equals about 47 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 49.65 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 10,224.6 acre feet, which equals about 4.7 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 55,932 acre-feet or about 18.2 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.2 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 92% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 43% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Note: Dallas has pumped considerably more water through November of 2019 then they did at this point of the year in previous years. Last year they had pumped about 25,878 acre-feet through November. The good news is they are still taking a lot less than they are entitled. At the public meeting in Emory a few years ago Dallas officials told the group that they would do minimal pumping until 2025. Since then their pumping has been more than most of us expected, but hopefully the significant increase this year is not a sign that they are moving up the 2025 date.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through November. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July through November.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through November 2019 = 534,564 acre-feet or about 20.6 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 174 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through November. 60.5% of the water removed from the lake through November was from water releases through the flood gates, 27.1% was due to evaporation, 1.9% was due to releases for downstream communities and 10.5% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Note: Evaporation will always be the largest single source of water loss from the lake and it will normally be about 6 feet off the surface of the lake. If and when Dallas takes their full allotment of water then they will take about 5 feet of water off the lake. So, the question is under normal rainfall and runoff can the lake adsorb 6 feet for evaporation plus 5 feet removed by Dallas?
October 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for October 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.20, so the lake is 1.80 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 403.31, so it was 0.31 feet above full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 1.04 feet below full pool.
Note: It is pretty amazing how fast the surface of Lake Fork shrinks as the lake goes down. With the lake 1.80 feet below full pool the surface area of the lake has shrunk from 27,690 acres to 24,901 acres, so there are now 2,789 acres of exposed shoreline.
Evaporation for October 2019 = 5.13 inches or about 10,600 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 3.5 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in October.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for October 2019 = 4.51 inches.
Water Released for October 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,216.2 acre-feet. This equals about 0.0.59 inches taken off the lake in October and equals about 396 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for October 2019 = 6,721.6 acre-feet or about 2.2 billion gallons. This is equal to about 3.25 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for October 2019 = No water was released through the gates during October.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for October 2019 = 18,538 acre-feet or about 9 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 6.0 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during October. 0% of the water removed from the lake in October was from water releases through the flood gates, 57.2% was due to evaporation, 6.6% was due to releases for downstream communities and 36.2% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through October 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 64.34 inches or 5.36 feet, which equals about 140,850 acre-feet. This equals about 46 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 48.29 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 8,892.4 acre feet, which equals about 4.1 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.9 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 52,047.1 acre-feet or about 17 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.0 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 83% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 40% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Note: Dallas has pumped considerably more water through October of 2019 then they did at this point of the year in previous years. Last year they had pumped about 18,600 acre-feet through October. The good news is they are still taking a lot less than they are entitled. At the public meeting in Emory a few years ago Dallas officials told the group that they would do minimal pumping until 2025. Since then their pumping has been more than most of us expected, but hopefully the significant increase this year is not a sign that they are moving up the 2025 date.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through October. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July, August, September or October.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through October 2019 = 525,187 acre-feet or about 20 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 171 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through October. 61.6% of the water removed from the lake through October was from water releases through the flood gates, 26.8% was due to evaporation, 1.7% was due to releases for downstream communities and 9.9% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
September 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for September 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.20, so the lake is 1.80 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 401.15, so it was 1.85 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.58 feet below full pool.
Note: It is pretty amazing how fast the surface of Lake Fork shrinks as the lake goes down. With the lake 1.80 feet below full pool the surface area of the lake has shrunk from 27,690 acres to 24,901 acres, so there are now 2,789 acres of exposed shoreline.
Evaporation for September 2019 = 8.57 inches or about 17,925 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 5.9 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in September.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for September 2019 = 0.46 inches.
Water Released for September 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,187 acre-feet. This equals about 0.56 inches taken off the lake in September and equals about 387 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for September 2019 = 6,865.2 acre-feet or about 2.2 billion gallons. This is equal to about 3.28 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for September 2019 = No water was released through the gates during September.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for September 2019 = 25,977 acre-feet or about 1.04 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 8.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during September. 0% of the water removed from the lake in September was from water releases through the flood gates, 69% was due to evaporation, 4.6% was due to releases for downstream communities and 26.4% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through September 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 59.22 inches or 4.94 feet, which equals about 130,000 acre-feet. This equals about 42 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 43.88 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 7,676.2 acre feet, which equals about 3.5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.5 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 45,325.5 acre-feet or about 14.8 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.72 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 75% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 35% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Note: Dallas has pumped considerably more water through September of 2019 then they did at this point of the year in previous years. Last year they had pumped less than 14,000 acre-feet through September. The good news is they are still taking a lot less than they are entitlement.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through September. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July, August and September
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through September 2019 = 506,409 acre-feet or about 19.2 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 165 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through September. 63.9% of the water removed from the lake through September was from water releases through the flood gates, 25.7% was due to evaporation, 1.5% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.9% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
August 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for August 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.83, so the lake is 1.17 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 400.65, so it was 2.35 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.35 feet below full pool.
Note: It is pretty amazing how fast the surface of Lake Fork shrinks as the lake goes down. With the lake only 1.17 feet below full pool the surface area of the lake has shrunk from 27,690 acres to 25,369 acres.
Evaporation for August 2019 = 10.71 inches or about 22,760 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7.4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in August.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for August 2019 = 2.16 inches.
Water Released for August 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,231.4 acre-feet. This equals about 0.58 inches taken off the lake in August and equals about 401 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for August 2019 = 7,849.4 acre-feet or about 2.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 3.70 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for August 2019 = No water was released through the gates during August.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for August 2019 = 31,840.8 acre-feet or about 1.25 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 10.4 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during August. 0% of the water removed from the lake in August was from water releases through the flood gates, 71.4% was due to evaporation, 3.9% was due to releases for downstream communities and 24.7% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through August 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 50.65 inches or 4.22 feet, which equals about 111,000 acre-feet. This equals about 36 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 43.42 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 6,489.2 acre feet, which equals about 2.9 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.1 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 38,460.3 acre-feet or about 12.5 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.45 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 67% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 29.4% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through August. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July and August.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through August 2019 = 479,356.8 acre-feet or about 18 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 156 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through August. 67.5% of the water removed from the lake through August was from water releases through the flood gates, 23.1% was due to evaporation, 1.4% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
July 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for July 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.38, so the lake is 0.62 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 401.02, so it was 1.98 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.69 feet below full pool.
Note: It is pretty amazing how fast the surface of Lake Fork shrinks as the lake goes down. With the lake only 0.62 feet below full pool the surface area of the lake has shrunk from 27,690 acres to 25,847 acres.
Evaporation for July 2019 = 9.57 inches or about 21,290 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 6.9 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in July.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for July 2019 = 0.44 inches.
Water Released for July 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,231.4 acre-feet. This equals about 0.55 inches taken off the lake in July and equals about 401 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for July 2019 = 4,986.6 acre-feet or about 1.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.24 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for July 2019 = No water was released through the gates during July.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for July 2019 = 27,508 acre-feet or about 1.03 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 9 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during July. 0% of the water removed from the lake in July was from water releases through the flood gates, 77.4% was due to evaporation, 4.5% was due to releases for downstream communities and 18.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through July 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 39.94 inches or 3.33 feet, which equals about 90,000 acre-feet. This equals about 29 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 41.26 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 5,258.2 acre feet, which equals about 2.3 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.7 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 30,610.9 acre-feet or about 10 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.13 feet of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 58% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 23% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through July. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June, but no gates were open in July.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through July 2019 = 449,276.4 acre-feet or about 16.6 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 146 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through July. 72% of the water removed from the lake through July was from water releases through the flood gates, 20% was due to evaporation, 1.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 6.8% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
June 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for June 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.03, so the lake is 0.03 feet above full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 401.61, so it was 1.39 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.08 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for June 2019 = 7.89 inches or about 18.206 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 5.9 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in June.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for June 2019 = 7.46 inches.
Water Released for June 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,120.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.49 inches taken off the lake in June and equals about 365 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for June 2019 = 2,817.6 acre-feet or about 918 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.22 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for June 2019 = 84,002.2 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in June. This equaled about 27.3 billion gallons or nearly 3.03 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 10 days in June.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for June 2019 = 106,146.7 acre-feet or about 3.83 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 34.6 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during June. 79.1% of the water removed from the lake in June was from water releases through the flood gates, 17.2% was due to evaporation, 1.0% was due to releases for downstream communities and 2.7% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through June 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 30.37 inches, which equals about 70,079 acre-feet. This equals about 22.8 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 40.82 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 4,026.8 acre feet, which equals about 1.8 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 25,624.3 acre-feet or about 8.3 billion gallons. This is equal to about 11.5 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 50% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 19.6% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 323,407.3 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through June. This equals about 105 billion gallons or nearly 11.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 90 days in January through June.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through June 2019 = 423,137.4 acre-feet or about 15.3 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 138 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through June. 76.3% of the water removed from the lake through June was from water releases through the flood gates, 16.6% was due to evaporation, 1% was due to releases for downstream communities and 6.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
May 2019
May was an extraordinary month for rainfall and consequently releases through the dam flood gates. One or more gates were open 22 days in May. The amount of water released through the flood gates in May is nearly equal to the total that Dallas is allowed to pump in a year.
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for May 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.10, so the lake is 0.10 feet above full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 402.06, so it was 0.94 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.09 feet above full pool.
Evaporation for May 2019 = 7.15 inches or about 16,499 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 5.4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in May.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for May 2019 = 17.85 inches.
Water Released for May 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 592.4 acre-feet. This equals about 0.26 inches taken off the lake in May and equals about 193 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for May 2019 = 3,498.9 acre-feet or about 1.14 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.51 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for May 2019 = 127,315.3 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in May. This equaled about 41.5 billion gallons or nearly 4.60 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 22 days in May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for May 2019 = 147,905.6 acre-feet or about 5.34 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 48.2 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during May. 86.1% of the water removed from the lake in May was from water releases through the flood gates, 11.1% was due to evaporation, 0.4% was due to releases for downstream communities and 2.4% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through May 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 22.48 inches, which equals about 51,873 acre-feet. This equals about 16.9 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 33.36 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,905.9 acre feet, which equals about 1.3 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 947 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 22,806.7 acre-feet or about 7.4 billion gallons. This is equal to about 9.9 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 42% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 17.4% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 239,405.1 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through May. This equals about 78 billion gallons or nearly 8.7 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 80 days in January through May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through May 2019 = 316,990.7 acre-feet or about 11.5 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 103 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through May. 75.5% of the water removed from the lake through May was from water releases through the flood gates, 16.4% was due to evaporation, 0.9% was due to releases for downstream communities and 7.2% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
April 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for April 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.28, so the lake is 0.28 feet above full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 402.45, so it was 0.55 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 0.13 feet above full pool.
Evaporation for April 2019 = 6.07 inches or about 14,000 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in April.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for April 2019 = 5.96 inches.
Water Released for April 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 582.8 acre-feet. This equals about 0.25 inches taken off the lake in April and equals about 190 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for April 2019 = 5,471.6 acre-feet or about 1.8 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.37 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for April 2019 = 2,233.6 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in April. This equaled about 727 million gallons or nearly 0.97 inches of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 16 days in April.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for April 2019 = 22,288 acre-feet or about 9.7 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 7.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during April. 10% of the water removed from the lake in April was from water releases through the flood gates, 62.9% was due to evaporation, 2.6% was due to releases for downstream communities and 24.5% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through April 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 15.33 inches, which equals about 34,210 acre-feet. This equals about 11.2 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 15.51 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,313.5 acre feet, which equals about 1 inch of water off the lake. This equals about 754 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 19,307.8 acre-feet or about 6.3 billion gallons. This is equal to about 8.4 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 33% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 14.7% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 112,089.8 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through April. This equals about 36.5 billion gallons or nearly 4.1 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 58 days in January through April.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through April 2019 = 167,921.1 acre-feet or about 6.1 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 54.7 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through April. 66.7% of the water removed from the lake through April was from water releases through the flood gates, 20.4% was due to evaporation, 1.4% was due to releases for downstream communities and 11.5% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
March 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for March 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.72, so the lake is 0.28 feet below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was at 402.67, so it was 0.33 feet below full pool. On this date in 2017 it was 1.90 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for March 2019 = 5.04 inches or about 11,000 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 3.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in March.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for March 2019 = 3.41 inches.
Water Released for March 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 598.8 acre-feet. This equals about 0.27 inches taken off the lake in March and equals about 195 million gallons of water. Communities receiving downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for March 2019 = 4,664.9 acre-feet or about 1.5 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.14 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for March 2019 = 22,179.6 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in March. This equaled about 7.2 billion gallons or nearly 10.2 inches of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 14 days in March.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for March 2019 = 38,443.3 acre-feet or about 1.47 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 12.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during March. 57.7% of the water removed from the lake in March was from water releases through the flood gates, 28.6% was due to evaporation, 1.6% was due to releases for downstream communities and 12.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through March 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 9.26 inches, which equals about 20,209 acre-feet. This equals about 6.6 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 9.55 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,730.7 acres feet, which equals about 0.79 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 564 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 13,836.2 acre-feet or about 4.5 billion gallons. This is equal to about 6.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 25% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 10.6% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 109,856.2 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through March. This equals about 35.8 billion gallons or nearly 4.2 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 42 days in January through March.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through March 2019 = 145,622.1 acre-feet or about 5.6 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 47.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through March. 75.4% of the water removed from the lake through March was from water releases through the flood gates, 13.9% was due to evaporation, 1.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 9.5% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
February 2019
Evaporation for February 2019 = 2.51 inches or about 5,430 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.8 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in February.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for February 2019 = 2.37 inches.
Water Released for February 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 538.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.25 inches taken off the lake in February and equals about 176 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for February 2019 = 3,346.1 acre-feet or about 1.1 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.55 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for February 2019 = 28,309.1 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in February. This equaled about 9.2 billion gallons or nearly 1.09 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 17 days in February.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for February 2019 = 37,624.1 acre-feet or about 1.45 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 12.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during February. 75.2% of the water removed from the lake in February was from water releases through the flood gates, 14.5% was due to evaporation, 1.4% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.9% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through February 2019
Evaporation for 2019 = 4.22 inches, which equals about 9,131 acre-feet. This equals about 3 billion gallons of water removed from evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2019 = 6.14 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2019 (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,131.9 acres feet, which equals about 0.52 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 369 million gallons of water released to downstream communities who have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2019 = 9,171.3 acre-feet or about 3 billion gallons. This is equal to about 4.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. We are 16.7% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 7% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2019 = 87,676.6 acre-feet of water has been released through the flood gates through February. This equals about 28.6 billion gallons or nearly 3.17 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 28 days in January and February.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through February 2019 = 107,356 acre-feet or about 4.2 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 35 billion gallons of water removed from the lake through February. 81.7% of the water removed from the lake through February was from water releases through the flood gates, 8.5% was due to evaporation, 1.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.6% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
January 2019
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for January 2019. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.07, so the lake is 0.07 feet above pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.56 feet below full pool and on this date in 2017 it was 2.16 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for January 2019 = 1.71 inches or about 3,946 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.3 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in January.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for January 2019 = 3.77 inches.
Water Released for January 2019 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 593 acre-feet. This equals about 0.26 inches taken off the lake in January and equals about 193 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for January 2019 = 5,825.2 acre-feet or about 1.9 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.53 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for January 2019 = 59,367.5 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in January. This equaled about 19.3 billion gallons or nearly 2.14 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 11 days in January.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for January 2019 = 69,731.9 acre-feet or about 2.52 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 23 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during January. 85.1% of the water removed from the lake in January was from water releases through the flood gates, 5.7% was due to evaporation, 0.85% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.35% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
December 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for December 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.89, so the lake is 0.11 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 1.12 feet below full pool and on this date in 2017 it was 3.06 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for December 2018 = 4.22 inches or about 9,737 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 3.2 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in December.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for December 2018 = 7.06 inches.
Water Released for December 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 583.8 acre-feet. This equals about 0.25 inches taken off the lake in December and equals about 190 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for December 2018 = 5,112.9 acre-feet or about 1.7 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.22 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for December 2018 = 54,649.2 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in December. This equaled about 17.8 billion gallons or nearly 2 feet of water off the surface of the lake. One or more gates were open 19 days in December.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for December 2018 = 70,089.9 acre-feet or about 2.53 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 23 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during December. 78.0% of the water removed from the lake in December was from water releases through the flood gates, 13.9% was due to evaporation, 0.8% was due to releases for downstream communities and 7.3% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals For Calendar Year 2018
Evaporation for 2018 = 75.91 inches, which equals about 175,162 acre-feet. This equals about 57.6 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation or about 6.3 feet off the surface of the lake.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 = 50.75 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 = 22,712 acre-feet, which equals about 10 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 7.4 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 = 30,991.3 acre-feet, which equals about 1.12 feet of water off the lake. This equals about 10 billion gallons of water. We are 100% of the way through the year and Dallas pumped less than 24% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 = 223,392.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through December, which equals about 73 billion gallons of water. This equals about 8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork for 2018 is about 452,257 acre-feet or about 16.3 feet off the surface of the lake. About 49.4% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 38.7% was from evaporation, 6.9% was from Dallas pumping and about 5% was from releases to downstream communities.
November 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for November 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.59, so the lake is 0.41 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 1.04 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 2.95 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for November 2018 = 3.32 inches or about 7,204 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2.4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in November.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for November 2018 = 5.64 inches.
Water Released for November 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,179.4 acre-feet. This equals about 0.54 inches taken off the lake in November and equals about 384 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for November 2018 = 7,276.5 acre-feet or about 2.4 billion gallons. This is equal to about 3.35 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for November 2018 = 42,939.2 acre-feet of water was released through the flood gates in November. This equaled nearly 14 billion gallons. One or more gates were open 19 days in November.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for November 2018 = 58,599.1 acre-feet or about 2.25 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 19 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during November. 73.3% of the water removed from the lake in November was from water releases through the flood gates, 12.3% was due to evaporation, 2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 12.4% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through November 2018
Evaporation for 2018 = 71.69 inches, which equals about 155,555 acre-feet. This equals about 50.7 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 = 43.69 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 = 22,128.2 acre-feet, which equals about 10.2 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 7.2 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 = 25878.4 acre-feet, which equals about 11.9 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 8.4 billion gallons of water. We are 92% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 20% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 = 168,742.9 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through November, which equals about 55 billion gallons of water. This equals about 6.5 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 372,304.5 acre-feet or about 14.3 feet off the surface of the lake. About 45.3% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 41.7% was from evaporation, 7% was from Dallas pumping and about 6% was from releases to downstream communities.
October 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for October 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.36, so the lake is 0.36 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.98 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 1.54 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for October 2018 = 4.26 inches or about 9,830 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 3.2 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in October.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for October 2018 = 8.56 inches.
Water Released for October 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,664.1 acre-feet. This equals about 0.76 inches taken off the lake in October and equals about 542 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for October 2018 = 4,748.8 acre-feet or about 1.6 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.06 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for October 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in October.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for October 2018 = 16,242.9 acre-feet or about 7.04 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 5.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during October. 0% of the water removed from the lake in October was from water releases through the flood gates, 60.5% was due to evaporation, 10.2% was due to releases for downstream communities and 29.3% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through October 2018
Evaporation for 2018 = 68.37 inches, which equals about 148,135 acre-feet. This equals about 48 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 = 38.05 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 = 20,948.8 acre-feet, which equals about 9.67 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 6.8 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 = 18,601.9 acre-feet, which equals about 8.6 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 6.1 billion gallons of water. We are 83.3% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 14.2% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 = 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through October, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 313,489.4 acre-feet or about 12.05 feet off the surface of the lake. About 40.1% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 47.3% was from evaporation, 5.9% was from Dallas pumping and about 6.7% was from releases to downstream communities.
September 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for September 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.11, so the lake is 1.89 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.47 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 1.93 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for September 2018 = 5.30 inches or about 10,968 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 3.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in September.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for September 2018 = 6.07 inches.
Water Released for September 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,912.6 acre-feet. This equals about 0.92 inches taken off the lake in September and equals about 623 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for September 2018 = 655.6 acre-feet or about 213 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.32 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for September 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in September.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for September 2018 = 13,536.2 acre-feet or about 6.5 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 4.4 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during September. 0% of the water removed from the lake in September was from water releases through the flood gates, 81.1% was due to evaporation, 14.1% was due to releases for downstream communities and 4.8% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through September 2018
Evaporation for 2018 = 64.11 inches, which equals about 132,676 acre-feet. This equals about 43.2 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 = 29.49 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 = 19,284.7 acre-feet, which equals about 8.03 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 6.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 = 13,853.1 acre-feet, which equals about 6.7 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 4.5 billion gallons of water. We are 75% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 10.6% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 = 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through September, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 291,618 acre-feet or about 11.74 feet off the surface of the lake. About 43.2% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 45.5% was from evaporation, 4.7% was from Dallas pumping and about 6.6% was from releases to downstream communities.
August 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for August 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 400.67, so the lake is 2.33 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.17 feet above full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 1.58 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for August 2018 = 10.65 inches or about 21,790 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7.1 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in August.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for August 2018 = 1.37 inches.
Water Released for August 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 11,527.5 acre-feet. This equals about 5.63 inches taken off the lake in August and equals about 3.76 billion gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for August 2018 = 2,897.7 acre-feet or about 944 million gallons. This is equal to about 1.41 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for August 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in August.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for August 2018 = 36,215.2 acre-feet or about 17.7 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 11.8 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during August. 0% of the water removed from the lake in August was from water releases through the flood gates, 60.2% was due to evaporation, 31.8% was due to releases for downstream communities and 8.0% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through August 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 58.81 inches, which equals about 120,330 acre-feet. This equals about 39 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 23.42 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 17,372.1 acre-feet, which equals about 8.5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 5.7 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 13,197.5 acre-feet, which equals about 6.5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 4.3 billion gallons of water. We are 67% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped about 10% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through August, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 276,703 acre-feet or about 11.3 feet off the surface of the lake. About 45.5% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 43.5% was from evaporation, 4.8% was from Dallas pumping and about 6.2% was from releases to downstream communities.
July 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for July 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.03, so the lake is 1.97 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.40 feet above full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 1.36 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for July 2018 = 10.58 inches or about 21,850 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7.1 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in July.
Note: Evaporation was higher in June than in July, which shows how exceptionally warm it was in June.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for July 2018 = 2.83 inches.
Water Released for July 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,817.1 acre-feet. This equals about 0.88 inches taken off the lake in July and equals about 592 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for July 2018 = 504 acre-feet or about 164 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.24 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for July 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in July.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for July 2018 = 24,171.1 acre-feet or about 11.7 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 8.0 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during July. 0% of the water removed from the lake in July was from water releases through the flood gates, 90.4% was due to evaporation, 7.5% was due to releases for downstream communities and 2.1% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through July 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 48.16 inches, which equals about 99,500 acre-feet. This equals about 32 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 22.05 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 5,844.6 acre-feet, which equals about 2.8 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.9 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 10,299.8 acre-feet, which equals about 5.0 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.4 billion gallons of water. We are 58% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 8% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through July, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 241,448.1 acre-feet or about 9.2 feet off the surface of the lake. About 52.1% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 41.2% was from evaporation, 4.3% was from Dallas pumping and about 2.4% was from releases to downstream communities.
June 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for June 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.57, so the lake is 1.43 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.10 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.75 feet below full pool.
Note: In 2014 the lake eventually reached 7.5 feet below full pool on December 31, 2014, but on July 14th of that year the lake was 3.66 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for June 2018 = 11.3 inches or about 23,800 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7.8 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in June.
Note: June seemed exceptionally warmer than normal. In June 2017 Lake Fork experienced 9.32 inches of evaporation, while in June of 2016 8.16 inches evaporated off the lake. So, yes it was a hot June.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for June 2018 = 0.59 inches.
Water Released for June 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,115.6 acre-feet. This equals about 0.53 inches taken off the lake in June and equals about 364 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for June 2018 = 45.9 acre-feet or about 15 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.02 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for June 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in June.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for June 2018 = 24,961.5 acre-feet or about 11.8 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 8.1 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during June. 0% of the water removed from the lake in June was from water releases through the flood gates, 95.4% was due to evaporation, 4.4% was due to releases for downstream communities and 0.2% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through June 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 37.58 inches, which equals about 82,360 acre-feet. This equals about 26 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 19.22 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 4,027.5 acre-feet, which equals about 1.8 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.3 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 9,795.8 acre-feet, which equals about 4.5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.2 billion gallons of water. We are 50% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 7.5% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through June, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 221,987 acre-feet or about 8.4 feet off the surface of the lake. About 56.7% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 37.1% was from evaporation, 4.4% was from Dallas pumping and about 1.8% was from releases to downstream communities.
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for May 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.06, so the lake is 0.94 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.12 feet above full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.10 feet above full pool.
May 2018
Evaporation for May 2018 = 8.59 inches or about 18,600 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in May.
Note: May seemed exceptionally warmer than normal. In May 2017 Lake Fork experienced 7.96 inches of evaporation, while in May of 2016 6.6 inches evaporated off the lake.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for May 2018 = 1.48 inches.
Water Released for May 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 603.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.28 inches taken off the lake in May and equals about 197 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for May 2018 = 2,810.8 acre-feet or about 916 million gallons. This is equal to about 1.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for May 2018 = No water was released through the flood gates in May.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for May 2018 = 22,014.7 acre-feet or about 10 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 7.1 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during May. 0% of the water removed from the lake in May was from water releases through the flood gates, 84.5% was due to evaporation, 2.7% was due to releases for downstream communities and 12.8% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through May 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 26.28 inches, which equals about 59.240 acre-feet. This equals about 18.6 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 18.63 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 2,911.9 acre-feet, which equals about 1.34 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 949 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 9,749.9 acre-feet, which equals about 4.5 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.2 billion gallons of water. We are 42%% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 7.4% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through May, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 197,705.5 acre-feet or about 7.3 feet off the surface of the lake. About 63.6% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 30% was from evaporation, 4.9% was from Dallas pumping and about 1.5% was from releases to downstream communities.
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for April 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.52, so the lake is 0.48 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 0.43 feet above full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.40 feet above full pool.
April 2018
Evaporation for April 2018 = 6.26 inches or about 13,540.4 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4.4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in April.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for April 2018 = 1.98 inches.
Water Released for April 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 579.6 acre-feet. This equals about 0.27 inches taken off the lake in April and equals about 189 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for April 2018 = 2,463.2 acre-feet or about 803 million gallons. This is equal to about 1.1 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for April 2018 = 2,704.1 acre-feet or about 881 million gallons. This would the equivalent of taking 1.25 inches of water off the surface of Lake Fork and dumping it downstream through the flood gates.
Note: The SRA had 1 or more gates open for 2 days during April. More water was released through the gates in those 2 days than Dallas pumped for the whole month.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for April 2018 = 19,287.3 acre-feet or about 8.9 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 6.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during April. About 14% of the water removed from the lake in April was from water releases through the flood gates, 70% was due to evaporation, 3% was due to releases for downstream communities and 13% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through April 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 17.69 inches, which equals about 38,263 acre-feet. This equals about 12.5 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 17.15 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 2,308 acre-feet, which equals about 1.1 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 752 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 7,286.7 acre-feet, which equals about 3.4 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.4 billion gallons of water. We are 33%% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 6% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 125,803.7 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through April, which equals about 41 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.8 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 173,661 acre-feet or about 6.7 feet off the surface of the lake. About 72.4% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 22% was from evaporation, 4.2% was from Dallas pumping and about 1.4% was from releases to downstream communities.
March 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for March 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 402.66, so the lake is 0..34 feet below pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 1.91 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.18 feet below full pool.
Evaporation for March 2018 = 5.77 inches or about 12,566 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4.1 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in March.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for March 2018 = 5.31 inches.
Water Released for March 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 592.1 acre-feet. This equals about 0.27 inches taken off the lake in March and equals about 193 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for March 2018 = 1,351.3 acre-feet or about 440 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.62 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for March 2018 = 53,481.1 acre-feet or about 17.4 billion gallons. This would the equivalent of taking 2.1 feet of water off the surface of Lake Fork and dumping it downstream through the flood gates.
Note: The SRA had 1 or more gates open for 19 days during March. That was on top of gates being open the last 8 days of February.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for March 2018 = 67,990.5 acre-feet or about 2.6 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 22.2 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during March. About 78.7% of the water removed from the lake in March was from water releases through the flood gates, 18.5% was due to evaporation, 0.8% was due to releases for downstream communities and 2.0% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through March 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 11.43 inches, which equals about 26,375 acre-feet. This equals about 8.6 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 15.17 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 1,728.4 acre-feet, which equals about 0.75 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 563 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2018 - 4,823.5 acre-feet, which equals about 2.09 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.4 billion gallons of water. We are 25% of the way through the year and Dallas has pumped less than 4% of the water they are entitled to pump for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 123,099.6 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through March, which equals about 40.1 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.46 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 156,026.5 acre-feet or about 5.61 feet off the surface of the lake. About 78.9% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 16.9% was from evaporation, 3.1% was from Dallas pumping and about 1.1% was from releases to downstream communities.
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February 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for February 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 403.06, so the lake is 0.06 above full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 2.02 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.20 feet above full pool.
Evaporation for February 2018 = 2.25 inches or about 5,192 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.7 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in February.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for February 2018 = 8.85 inches.
Water Released for February 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 536.4 acre-feet. This equals about 0.23 inches taken off the lake in February and equals about 175 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for February 2018 = 703 acre-feet or about 229 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for February 2018 = 69,618.5 acre-feet or about 22.7 billion gallons. This would the equivalent of taking 2.5 feet of water off the surface of Lake Fork and dumping it downstream through the flood gates.
Note; The SRA released this water over the last 8 days of February. That continued for several days into March, but that will show on next month's report.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for February 2018 = 76,049.9 acre-feet or about 2.75 feet of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 24.8 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during February. About 91.5% of the water removed from the lake in February was from water releases through the flood gates, 6.9% was due to evaporation, 0.7% was due to releases for downstream communities and 0.9% was removed from the lake from Dallas pumping.
Totals Through February 2018
Evaporation for 2018 - 5.66 inches, which equals about 13,060 acre-feet. This equals about 4.3 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2018 - 9.86 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2018 - 1,136.3 acre-feet, which equals about 0.49 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 370 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2018 - 69,618.5 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates through February, which equals about 22.7 billion gallons of water. This equals about 2.51 feet of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2018 is about 87,287 acre-feet or about 3.15 feet off the surface of the lake. About 79.8% of that water was from releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 15% was from evaporation, 4% was from Dallas pumping and about 1.2% was from releases to downstream communities.
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January 2018
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for January 2018. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.81, so the lake is 1.19 below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 2.29 feet below full pool and on this date in 2016 it was 0.64 feet below full pool.
Note: When the lake is at full pool elevation of 403 the surface area of the lake is 27,690 acres. Currently the lake is covering 25,336 surface acres, so there are currently about 2,354 acres of exposed shoreline. In addition to the exposed shoreline there is a significant amount of acres of shallow water covered by water hyacinth.
Note: Chunks of decaying Water Hyacinth are floating down the lake from Birch Creek every day. The hope is that most of the hyacinth has been killed by the cold weather this winter, but it is possible there is some live material in those floating mats. We will have to see what happens in the spring as to how widespread the hyacinth has expanded.
Evaporation for January 2018 = 3.41 inches or about 7,209 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2.4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in January.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for January 2018 = 1.01 inches.
Water Released for January 2018 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 599.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.28 inches taken off the lake in January and equals about 196 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for January 2018 = 2,769.2 acre-feet or about 902 million gallons. This is equal to about 1.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Note: Dallas pumped over twice what they pumped in January of 2017.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for January 2018 = 0 acre-feet
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for January 2018 = 10,578.1 acre-feet or about 5.0 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 3.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during January. About 68% of the water removed from the lake in January was due to evaporation, while 0% was from water releases from the Tainter Flood Gates, 26% was from Dallas pumping and 6% was dues to releases for downstream communities.
December 2017
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for December 2017. The current elevation of Lake Fork is 401.88, so the lake is 1.12 below full pool level of 403. On this date last year the lake was 2.91 feet below full pool and on this date 2 years ago it was 0.7 feet above full pool.
Note: When the lake is at full pool elevation of 403 the surface area of the lake is 27,690 acres. Currently the lake is covering 25,402 surface acres, so there are currently about 2,188 acres of exposed shoreline. In addition to the exposed shoreline there is a significant amount of acres of shallow water covered by water hyacinth.
Evaporation for December 2017 = 2.98 inches or about 6,308 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2.1 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in December.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for December 2017 = 4.74 inches.
Water Released for December 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 931.3 acre-feet. This equals about 0.44 inches taken off the lake in December and equals about 304 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for December 2017 = 175.3 acre-feet or about 57 million gallons. This is equal to about 0.08 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for December 2017 = 0 acre-feet
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for December 2017 = 7,414.6 acre-feet or about 3.5 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 2.4 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during December. About 85% of the water removed from the lake in December was due to evaporation, while 0% was from water releases from the Tainter Flood Gates, 2.4% was from Dallas pumping and 12.6% was dues to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals
Evaporation for 2017 = 75.81 inches or about 6.32 feet, which equals about 175,000 acre-feet. This equals about 57 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 44.56 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 13,450.2 acre-feet, which equals about 6 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 4.4 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 38,287.9 acre-feet or about 12.5 billion gallons. This equals about 16.6 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through December. We are now 100% of the way through calendar year 2017 and Dallas pumped about 29% of the water they were entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 63,820.1 acre-feet was spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 20.8 billion gallons of water. This equals about 28 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork in 2017 was about 290,558 acre-feet or about 11 feet of water or about 132 inches off the lake. About 60% of the water removed from the lake was due to evaporation, while 22% was for water released through the flood gates, 13% was from Dallas pumping and 5% was from releases to downstream communities.
November 2017
Evaporation for November 2017 = 3.81 inches or about 7,997 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in November.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for November 2017 = 1.54 inches.
Water Released for November 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,097.8 acre-feet. This equals about 1 inch taken off the lake in November and equals about 684 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for November 2017 = 3,624.1 acre-feet or about 1.18 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.73 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for November 2017 = 0 acre-feet
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for November 2017 = 13,718.9 acre-feet or about 6.5 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 4.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during November. About 58% of the water removed from the lake in November was due to evaporation, while 0% was from water releases from the Tainter Flood Gates, 27% was from Dallas pumping and 15% was dues to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals Through November 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 72.83 inches or about 6.07 feet, which equals about 168,000 acre-feet. This equals about 54.7 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 39.82 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 12,518.9 acre-feet, which equals about 6 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 4.1 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 38,112.6 acre-feet or about 12.4 billion gallons. This equals about 16.5 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through November. We are now 91% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 29% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 63,820.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 20.8 billion gallons of water. This equals about 28 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 282,451.6 acre-feet or about 11.2 feet of water or about 134.4 inches off the lake. About 60% of the water removed from the lake through November has been due to evaporation, while 23% has been from water released through the flood gates, 13% has been from Dallas pumping and 4% has been from releases to downstream communities.
October 2017
Evaporation for October 2017 = 6.72 inches or about 14,258 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4.7 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in October.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for October 2017 = 2.37 inches.
Water Released for October 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,789.7 acre-feet. This equals about 0.84 inches taken off the lake in October and equals about 583 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for October 2017 = 2,897.7 acre-feet or about 944 million gallons. This is equal to about 1.37 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for October 2017 = 0 acre-feet
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for October 2017 = 18,945.4 acre-feet or about 8.9 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 6.2 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during October. About 75% of the water removed from the lake in October was due to evaporation, while 0% was from water releases from the Tainter Flood Gates, 15% was from Dallas pumping and 10% was dues to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals Through October 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 69.02 inches or about 5.75 feet, which equals about 161,945 acre-feet. This equals about 52.8 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 38.28 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 10,421.1 acre-feet, which equals about 4.9 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 3.4 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 34,488.5 acre-feet or about 10.3 billion gallons. This equals about 14.8 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through October. We are now 83% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 24% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 63,820.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 20.8 billion gallons of water. This equals about 28 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 267,674.7 acre-feet or about 10.5 feet of water or about 126.2 inches off the lake. About 61% of the water removed from the lake through October has been due to evaporation, while 24% has been from water released through the flood gates, 12% has been from Dallas pumping and 3% has been from releases to downstream communities.
September 2017
Evaporation for September 2017 = 8.27 inches or about 17,847 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 5.8 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in September.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for September 2017 = 0.0 inches.
Water Released for September 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,509 acre-feet. This equals about 0.70 inches taken off the lake in September and equals about 414 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for September 2017 = 3,725.9 acre-feet or about 1.2 billion gallons. This is equal to about 1.73 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for September 2017 = 0 acre-feet
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for September 2017 = 23,081.9 acre-feet or about 10.6 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 7.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during September. About 77% of the water removed from the lake in September was due to evaporation, while 0% was from water releases from the Tainter Flood Gates, 16% was from Dallas pumping and 7% was dues to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals Through September 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 62.3 inches or about 5.2 feet, which equals about 147,687 acre-feet. This equals about 48.1 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 35.91 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 8,631.4 acre-feet, which equals about 4.0 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.8 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 28,590.8 acre-feet or about 9.3 billion gallons. This equals about 13.2 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through September. We are now 75% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 22% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 63,820.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 20.8 billion gallons of water. This equals about 28 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 248,729.3 acre-feet or about 9.6 feet of water or about 115.2 inches off the lake. About 60% of the water removed from the lake through September has been due to evaporation, while 26% has been from water released through the flood gates, 11% has been from Dallas pumping and 3% has been from releases to downstream communities.
August 2017
Evaporation for August 2017 = 7.52 inches or about 17,252.4 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 5.7 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in August.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for August 2017 = 10.47 inches.
Water Released for August 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 2,026.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.89 inches taken off the lake in August and equals about 660 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for August 2017 = 4,816.6 acre-feet or about 1.57 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.09 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for August 2017 = 29,065.8 acre-feet of water was released through the Tainter Flood Gates in August. This is the equivalent of about 9.49 billion gallons or about 1.05 feet taken off the lake. At least 1 gate or more was open for 6 days during August.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for August 2017 = 53,261.7 acre-feet or about 23 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 17.4 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during August. About 32% of the water removed from the lake in August was due to evaporation, while about 55% was from water releases through the Tainter Flood Gates, 9% was from Dallas pumping and 4% was due to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals Through August 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 54.03 inches or about 4.5 feet, which equals about 124,605 acre-feet. This equals about 40.6 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 35.91 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 7,122.4 acre-feet, which equals about 3.08 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.32 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 24,864.9 acre-feet or about 8.1 billion gallons. This equals about 10.8 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through August. We are now 67% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 19% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 63,820.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 20.8 billion gallons of water. This equals about 28 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 220,412.4 acre-feet or about 8 feet of water or about 96 inches off the lake. About 57% of the water removed from the lake through August has been due to evaporation, while 29% has been from water released through the flood gates, 11% has been from Dallas pumping and 3% has been from releases to downstream communities.
July 2017
Evaporation for July 2017 = 10.16 inches or about 22,046 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7.2 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in July.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for July 2017 = 2.93 inches.
Water Released for July 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 1,695.1 acre-feet. This equals about 0.78 inches taken off the lake in July and equals about 552 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for July 2017 = 6,164 acre-feet or about 2.01 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.84 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for July 2017 = No water was spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates in July.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for July 2017 = 29,905.3 acre-feet or about 13.8 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 9.75 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during July. About 74% of the water removed from the lake in July was due to evaporation, while about 21% was from Dallas pumping and 5% was due to releases for downstream communities.
2017 Totals Through July 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 46.51 inches or about 3.88 feet, which equals about 101,027 acre-feet. This equals about 32.9 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 25.44 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 5095.5 acre-feet, which equals about 2.34 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.66 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 20,048.3 acre-feet or about 6.5 billion gallons. This equals about 9.24 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through July. We are now 58% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 15.3% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 34,754.3 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 11.3 billion gallons of water. This equals about 15 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 160,926.1 acre-feet or about 6 feet of water or about 72 inches off the lake. About 63% of the water removed from the lake through July has been due to evaporation, while 22% has been from water released through the flood gates, 12% has been from Dallas pumping and 3% has been from releases to downstream communities.
June 2017
Evaporation for June 2017 = 9.32 inches or about 21,505.9 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 7 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in June.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for June 2017 = 3.24 inches.
Water Released for June 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 583.1 acre-feet. This equals about 0.25 inches taken off the lake in May and equals about 190 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for June 2017 = 5,036.2 acre-feet or about 1.64 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.18 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for June 2017 = One or more gates were open for 3 days in June resulting in 11,260.2 acre-feet of water being spilled through the dam for 3.7 billion gallons of water. This is equal to about 4.88 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for June 2017 = 38,385.4 acre-feet or about 16.6 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 12.5 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during June. About 56% of the water removed from the lake in June was due to evaporation, while about 29% was due to spillage through the gates and 13% was from Dallas pumping.
2017 Totals Through June 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 36.35 inches or about 3.03 feet, which equals about 83,900 acre-feet. This equals about 27.3 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 22.51 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 3,400.2 acre-feet, which equals about 1.4 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 1.1 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 13,885.3 acre-feet or about 4.5 billion gallons. This equals about 6.0 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through May. We are now 50% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 10.6% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 34,754.3 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 11.3 billion gallons of water. This equals about 15 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 135,939.8 acre-feet or about 4.9 feet of water or about 58 inches off the lake. About 62% of the water removed from the lake through June has been due to evaporation, while 26% has been from water released through the flood gates and 10% has been from Dallas pumping.
Whenever the SRA spills water through the gates the question always arises as to why they cannot allow water to stack up against the gates. The engineering design for the dam does not allow for holding water against the flood gates. It would potentially threaten the structural integrity of the dam and would be in violation of the operating manual for the dam. Also, Lake Fork Dam does not have an emergency spillway, so excess water has to be released through the gates.
May 2017
Evaporation for May 2017 = 7.96 inches or about 18,368 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in May.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for May 2017 = 5.44 inches.
Water Released for May 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 599.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.26 inches taken off the lake in May and equals about 195 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for May 2017 = 5,171.5 acre-feet or about 1.7 billion gallons. This is equal to about 2.24 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake. Dallas pumped about twice the amount they pumped in April.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for May 2017 = One or more gates were open for 4 days in May resulting in 13,478.1 acre-feet of water being spilled through the dam for 4.4 billion gallons of water. This is equal to about 5.84 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for May 2017 = 37,615.5 acre-feet or about 16 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 12.3 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during May. About 49% of the water removed from the lake in May was due to evaporation, while about 36% was due to spillage through the gates and 14% was from Dallas pumping.
2017 Totals Through May 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 27.03 inches or about 2.25 feet, which equals about 62,303 acre-feet. This equals about 20.3 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 19.27 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 2,817.1 acre-feet, which equals about 1.2 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 918 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 8,849.1 acre-feet or about 2.9 billion gallons. This equals about 3.83 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through May. We are now 42% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped about 6.8%% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 23,494.1 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 7.7 billion gallons of water. This equals about 10.2 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 97,463.3 acre-feet or about 3.52 feet of water or about 42 inches off the lake. About 64% of the water removed from the lake through May has been due to evaporation, while 24% has been from water released through the flood gates and 9% has been from Dallas pumping.
Whenever the SRA spills water through the gates the question always arises as to why they cannot allow water to stack up against the gates. The engineering design for the dam does not allow for holding water against the flood gates. It would potentially threaten the structural integrity of the dam and would be in violation of the operating manual for the dam. Also, Lake Fork Dam does not have an emergency spillway, so excess water has to be released through the gates.
April 2017:
Evaporation for April 2017 = 6.17 inches or about 14,235 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4.6 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in March.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for April 2017 = 9.33 inches.
Water Released for April 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 578.9 acre-feet. This equals about 0.25 inches taken off the lake in April and equals about 189 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for April 2017 = 2,463.2 acre-feet or about 803 million gallons. This is equal to about 1 inch of water being removed off the surface of the lake. Dallas had not pumped since January.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for April 2017 = One or more gates were open for 5 days in April resulting in 10,016 acre-feet of water being spilled through the dam for 3.26 billion gallons of water. This is equal to about 4.3 inches of water being removed off the surface of the lake.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for April 2017 = 27,293.1 acre-feet or about 11.8 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 8.9 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during April. About 52% of the water removed from the lake in April was due to evaporation, while about 37% was due to spillage through the gates and 9% was from Dallas pumping.
2017 Totals Through April 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 19.07 inches or about 1.6 feet, which equals about 44,027 acre-feet. This equals about 14.3 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 13.83 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 2,217.2 acre-feet, which equals about 1 inch of water off the lake. This equals about 722 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 3,677.6 acre-feet or about 1.2 billion gallons. This equals about 1.6 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through April. We are now 33% of the way through the calendar year and so far Dallas has pumped less than 3% of the water they are entitled to for the year.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates in 2017 = 10,016 acre-feet has been spilled through the Tainter Flood Gates, which equals about 3.26 billion gallons of water. This equals about 4.34 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 57,726.1 acre-feet or about 2.1 feet of water or about 24.6 inches off the lake. About 76% of the water removed from the lake through April has been due to evaporation, while 17% has been from water released through the flood gates and 6% has been from Dallas pumping.
Whenever the SRA spills water through the gates the question always arises as to why they cannot allow water to stack up against the gates. The engineering design for the dam does not allow for holding water against the flood gates. It would potentially threaten the structural integrity of the dam and would be in violation of the operating manual for the dam. Also, Lake Fork Dam does not have an emergency spillway, so excess water has to be released through the gates.
March 2017:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for March 2017. The current surface acres of Lake Fork is at 24,801 acres versus 27,690 acres when the lake is full. That means we have about 2,889 acres of exposed shoreline that would be covered by water if the lake was at full pool. The lake did come up by 85 acre-feet in the last month.
Evaporation for March 2017 = 5.99 inches or about 12,380 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 4 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in March.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for March 2017 = 1.90 inches (remember this is for March, so it does not include the rain we got last weekend).
Water Released for March 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman and this also includes the water continually released through the pipes at the dam to meet the minimum flow requirements of the Sabine River Compact) = 594 acre-feet. This equals about 0.29 inches taken off the lake in March and equals about 193 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for March 2017 = 0 acre-feet and 0 gallons. This is the second straight month that Dallas has not pumped water from Lake Fork.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for March 2017 = 0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for March 2017 = 12,974 acre-feet or about 6.3 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 4.2 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during March. 95% of that water removal was from evaporation during March.
2017 Totals Through March 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 12.9 inches or about 1.1 feet, which equals about 26,660 acre-feet. This equals about 8.7 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 4.5 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 1,638.3 acre-feet, which equals about 0.79 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 534 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 1.214.4 acre-feet or about 395 million gallons. This equals about 0.59 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through March.
Water Released by the the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates = 0 acre feet so far in 2017.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 29,433 acre-feet or about 1.19 feet of water or about 14.3 inches off the lake. About 90.5% of that has been through evaporation so far this year.
February 2017:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for February 2017. The current surface acres of Lake Fork is at 24,716 acres versus 27,690 acres when the lake is full. That means we have about 2,974 acres of exposed shoreline that would be covered by water if the lake was at full pool. The lake did come up by 151 acre-feet in the last month.
Evaporation for February 2017 = 4.27 inches or about 8,795 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2,87 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in February.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for February 2017 = 2.60 inches.
Water Released for February 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman) = 455.3 acre-feet. This equals about 0.22 inches taken off the lake in February and equals about 148 million gallons of water. Communities that receive downstream water include Kilgore, Longview, Henderson and Texas Eastman in Longview.
Water Pumped by Dallas for February 2017 = 0 acre-feet and 0 gallons.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for February 2017 = 0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for February 2017 = 9,250 acre-feet or 4.49 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 3.014 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during February. 95% of that water removal was from evaporation during February.
2017 Totals Through February 2017
Evaporation for 2017 = 6.91 inches or about 0.58 feet, which equals about 14,200 acre-feet. This equals about 4.63 billion gallons of water removed through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2017 = 8.17 inches.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2017 = 1,044.3 acre-feet, which equals about 0.51 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 340 million gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2017 = 1.214.4 acre-feet or about 395 million gallons. This equals about 0.59 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping through February.
Water Released by the the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates = 0 acre feet so far in 2017.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2017 is about 16,459 acre-feet or about 0.67 feet of water or about 8 inches off the lake. About 86% of that has been through evaporation so far this year.
January 2017
Evaporation for January 2017 = 2.64 inches or about 5,404 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.76 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation in January.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for January 2017 = 5.57 inches.
Water Released for January 2017 by the SRA for Downstream Communities (including water pumped by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman) = 589 acre-feet. This equals about 0.29 inches taken off the lake in January and equals about 191 million gallons of water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for January 2017 = 1,212.4 acre-feet or about 395 million gallons. This equals about 0.59 inches of water taken off the lake from Dallas pumping in January.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for January 2017 = 0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for January 2017 = 7,205.4 acre-feet or 3.52 inches of water taken off the surface of the lake. This equals about 2.35 billion gallons of water removed from the lake during January.
December 2016:
Evaporation for December 2016 = 2.41 inches or about 4861 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 1.58 billion gallons of water lost by evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for December 2016 = 2.71 inches.
Water Released for December 2016 by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 1,653.8 acre-feet or about 0.82 inches off the lake. This equals about 539 million gallons of water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for December 2016 = 7,353.8 acre-feet or about 3.65 inches of water off the lake. This equals about 2.4 billion gallons of water pumped by Dallas in December.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for December 2016 = 0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork for December 2016 = 13,868.6 acre feet or about 6.88 inches. This is the first month of the year that Dallas pumping has exceeded evaporation. This equals about 4.5 billion gallons of water removed from Lake Fork in December.
Final 2016 Totals
Evaporation for 2016 = 73.53 inches or about 6.13 feet, which equals about 159,000 acre-feet (this is approximate because as the lake drops the surface area shrinks). This is equal to about 51.8 billion gallons of water leaving the lake through evaporation for calendar year 2016.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 44.96 inches or about 3.75 feet.
Water Released for 2016 by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 8,812.7 acre-feet or about 4.07 inches off the lake. This equals about 2.87 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water. This includes the water diverted by Bright Star Salem and the City of Quitman.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 62,119.50 acre-feet or about 2.4 feet or about 28.8 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 20.2 billion gallons of water removed though pumping by Dallas for calendar year 2016.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.5 feet or about 126 inches. This represents about 94.5 billion gallons of water released through the flood gates earlier this year to protect the flood gates from over topping.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork during 2016 was about 520,000 acre-feet or about 20 feet. about 56% of that was for releases through the flood gates to protect the flood gates from over topping earlier this year. About 31% of the water was lost through evaporation. About 12% was removed through Dallas pumping.
The 62,119.50 acre-feet pumped by Dallas actually is only about 47% of what they are entitled to take in a year. Dallas averaged pumping about 55 million gallons per day over the entire year. Last year (2015) Dallas pumped 57,994 acre-feet, so they continue to pump less than 50% of what they may eventually take annually. The total water lost off the lake in 2015 was about 22 feet compared to the 20 feet in 2016.
November 2016:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for November 2016. It is interesting to note that the lake is now 24,230 surface acres versus 27,690 surface acres when at full pool. That means we currently have 3,460 acres of exposed shoreline that would be under water if the lake was at full pool.
Evaporation for November 2016 = 3.82 inches or about 7,713 acre-feet. This is the equivalent of about 2.5 billion gallons of water.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for November 2016 = 3.5 inches.
Water Releases for November 2016 by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 1,734.1 acre-feet or about 0.86 inches off the lake. This equals about 565 million gallons of water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for November 2016 = 6,531.9 acre-feet or about 3.24 inches off the lake. This equals about 2.1 billion gallons of water.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for November 2016 = 0.0.
So, the total water removed from the lake for November 2016 = About 7.92 inches or about 0.66 feet with slightly more from evaporation than Dallas pumping. This equals about 15,992 acre-feet or about 5.2 billion gallons of water.
2016 Totals through November:
Evaporation for 2016 = 70.73 inches or about 5.89 feet, which equals approximately 142,715 acre-feet (this is approximate because as the lake drops the surface area shrinks). This is equal to about 46.5 billion gallons of water leaving the lake through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 42.77 inches or about 3.56 feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 6,509 acre-feet, which equals about 3.22 inches off the lake. This equals about 2.12 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 55,134 acre-feet or about 2.28 feet or about 27.4 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 18.0 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas so far in 2016.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 494,422 acre-feet or about 20 feet. About 59% of that was the downstream releases through the Tainter Flood Gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam. About 29% has been due to evaporation. About 11% has left the lake so far in 2016 via pumping by Dallas.
Dallas pumped about 1600 less acre-feet of water in November than they did in October. They had averaged less than 6000 acre feet per month through July and then pumped very little water in August and September, but in October they pumped 8193.6 acre-feet and then 6,531.9 acre-feet in November from Lake Fork. The total so far for the year of 55,134 acre-feet represents about 42% of the water that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year yet we are now 91% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 54 million gallons of water per day in 2016.
October 2016:
Evaporation for October 2016 = 6.25 inches.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for October 2016 = 1.52 inches.
Water Releases for October 2016 by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 884.1 acre-feet or about 0.43 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for October 2016 = 8,193.6 acre-feet or about 4.02 inches off the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for October 2016 = 0.0.
So, the total water removed from the lake for October 2016 = About 10.07 inches or about 0.89 feet with most of that still coming from evaporation, but for the first time this year pumping by Dallas was a close second.
2016 Totals through October:
Evaporation for 2016 = 66.91 inches or about 5.58 feet, which equals approximately 139,500 acre-feet (this is approximate because as the lake drops the surface area shrinks. Right now the lake is at 24,445 surface acres versus 27,690 surface acres at full pool).
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 39.27 inches or about 3.27 feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 4,774.9 acre-feet, which equals about 2.35 inches off the lake. This equals about 1.56 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 48,602.1 acre-feet or about 1.99 feet or about 23.88 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 15.8 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas so far in 2016.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 482,941 acre-feet or about 19.76 feet. About 60% of that was the downstream releases through the Tainter Flood Gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam. About 29% has been due to evaporation. About 10% has left the lake so far in 2016 via pumping by Dallas.
October was by far the most water Dallas has pumped this year. They had averaged less than 6000 acre feet per month through July and then pumped very little water in August and September, but in October they pumped 8193.6 acre-feet from Lake Fork. The total so far for the year of 48,602.1 acre-feet represents about 37% of the water that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year yet we are now 83% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 52 million gallons of water per day in 2016.
Best wishes and as usual pray/hope/dance for rain.
September 2016:
Evaporation for September 2016 = 7.36 inches.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for September 2016 = 1.27 inches.
Water Releases for September 2016 by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 870.9 acre-feet or about 0.42 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for September 2016 = 480.6 acre-feet or about 0.233 inches off the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates for September 2016 = 0.0.
So, the total water removed from the lake for September 2016 = About 8.01 inches or about 0.67 feet with most of that coming from evaporation.
2016 Totals through September:
Evaporation for 2016 = 60.66 inches or about 5.06 feet, which equals approximately 129,000 acre-feet (this is approximate because as the lake drops the surface area shrinks. Right now the lake is at 24,794 surface acres versus 27,690 surface acres at full pool).
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 37.75 inches or about 3.15 feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 3,890.8 acre-feet, which equals about 1.88 inches off the lake. This equals about 1.27 billion gallons of water released to downstream communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 40,408.5 acre-feet or about 1.63 feet or about 19.56 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 13.2 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas so far in 2016.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 463,363 acre-feet or about 17.8 feet. About 63% of that was the downstream releases through the Tainter Flood Gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam. About 28% has been due to evaporation. Less than 9% has left the lake so far in 2016 via pumping by Dallas.
Amazingly Dallas continues to pump very little water from Lake Fork. The total so far for the year of 40,408.5 acre-feet represents about 31% of the water that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year yet we are now 75% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 48 million gallons of water per day in 2016.
Best wishes and as usual pray/hope/dance for rain. Actually, today we received about 1.3 inches of rain, which was a pleasant surprise.
August 2016:
Evaporation for August = 8.48 inches
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for August = 7.72 inches.
Water Released for August by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 931.5 acre-feet or about 0.43 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for August = 23 acre-feet or about 0.01 inches off the lake.
Water Released by the SRA for August through the Tainter Flood Gates = 0.0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from the lake for August = About 8.92 inches or about 0.75 feet with most of that coming from evaporation.
2016 Totals through August:
Evaporation for 2016 = 52.65 inches or about 4.39 feet, which equals about 114,140 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 36.48 inches or about 3.04 feet. (Note: 3 feet of rainfall falling on the lake does not mean the lake rises 3 feet. The lake is spreading out to a larger surface area as it rises).
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 3,010.9 acre-feet, which equals about 1.4 inches off the lake. This equals about 981 million gallons of water released to downtown communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 39,927.9 acre-feet or about 1.54 feet or about 18.5 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 13 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 447,143 acre-feet or about 17.2 feet. About 65% of that has been through downstream releases through the flood gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam. About 26% has been due to evaporation. Less than 9% has left the lake so far in 2016 via pumping by Dallas.
Amazingly Dallas only pumped 23 acre-feet this past month and their total for the year is now 39,927.9 acre-feet. That represents about 30% of the water that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year yet we are now 67% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 53.3 million gallons per day in 2016.
Best wishes and as usual pray/hope/dance for rain.
July 2016:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for July 2016.
Evaporation for July = 11.67 inches
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for July = 1.59 inches.
Water Released for July by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 927.7 acre-feet or about 0.43 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for July = 6,389.1 acre-feet or about 2.95 inches off the lake.
Water Released by the SRA for July through the Tainter Flood Gates = 0.0 acre-feet.
So, the total water removed from the lake for July = About 15.05 inches or about 1.25 feet with most of that coming from evaporation.
2016 Totals through July:
Evaporation for 2016 = 44.17 inches or about 3.68 feet, which equals about 95,680 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 28.76 inches or about 2.4 feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 2,079.4 acre-feet, which equals about 0.96 inches off the lake. This equals about 678 million gallons of water released to downtown communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 39,904.9 acre-feet or about 1.54 feet or about 18.5 inches taken off the lake by Dallas pumping. This equals about 13 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents about 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 427,728.3 acre-feet or about 16.45 feet. About 68% of that has been through downstream releases through the flood gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam. 22% has been due to evaporation. Only 9% left the lake via pumping by Dallas.
Dallas Water Utilities has pumped 39,904.9 acre-feet from Lake Fork so far this year. That represents about 30% of the water that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork in a year yet we are now 58% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 61 million gallons per day.
June 2016:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation for June 2016.
Evaporation for June = 8.16 inches.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for June = 3.83 inches.
Water Released for June by the SRA for Downstream Communities = 306.9 acre-feet or about 0.133 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for June = 5,795.0 acre-feet. This equals about 2.51 inches of water taken off the lake by pumping.
Water Released by the SRA through the Tainter Gates for June = 45,846.0 acre-feet or about 1.66 feet or 19.87 inches released through the dam when the lake was overfull.
So, the total water removed from the lake for June = 30.67 inches or about 2.56 feet. Please keep in mind most of this water was released when the lake was above full pool in early June.
2016 Totals through June:
Evaporation for 2016 = 32.5 inches or about 2.71 feet, which equals about 75,040 acre-feet. This equals about 24.5 billion gallons lost through evaporation.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA Headquarters for 2016 = 27.17 inches or about 2.26 feet.
Water Released by the SRA to Downstream Communities for 2016 = 1,151.7 acre-feet, which equals about 0.50 inches of water taken off the lake. This equals about 376 million gallons of water removed from the lake by releases downstream to communities that have rights to the water.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 33,515.8 acre-feet or about 1.2 feet or about 14.4 inches taken off the lake via Dallas pumping. This equals about 10.9 billion gallons of water removed through pumping by Dallas.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Tainter Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 290,064 acre-feet or about 10.48 feet or about 125.76 inches. This represents about 94.5 billion gallons of water.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 399,777.5 acre-feet or about 14.44 feet. About 73% has been through downstream releases through the flood gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam.
Dallas Water Utilities has pumped 33,515.8 acre-feet from Lake Fork so far this year. That represents less than 26% of the water they are entitled to take from Lake Fork in a year yet we now 50% of the way through the year, so it appears Dallas will not take nearly what they are entitled to pump in a year. So far Dallas has averaged pumping about 60 million gallons per day.
May 2016:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation totals for May 2016.
Evaporation for May = 6.6 inches.
Rainfall Recorded for May at the SRA Headquarters = 1.85 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for May = 190.3 acre-feet or about 0.083 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for May = 5943 acre-feet or about 1,936,534,870 gallons. This equals about 2.58 inches of water off the surface of the lake by pumping.
Water Released by the SRA through the Flood Gates for May = 31,632.4 acre-feet or about 10,307,461,825 gallons. This is the equivalent of taking 1.14 feet or about 13.7 inches of water off Lake Fork when it is full and dumping it downstream.
So, the total water removed from the lake for May was about 22.96 inches.
2016 Totals through May:
Evaporation for 2016 = 24.34 inches or about 56,165 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded by the SRA for 2016 at the SRA Headquarters = 23.34 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for 2016 = 844.8 acre-feet or about 275,279,263 gallons. This has totaled about 0.366 inches so far for 2016.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 27,721.8 acre-feet of about 9,033,187,341 gallons. This equals about 12.0 inches of water removed from the lake so far for 2016.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 244,218 acre-feet or about 79,578,777,205 gallons. This is the equivalent of 8.82 feet of water taken off the lake so far in 2016.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 328,950 acre-feet or about 11.88 feet. About 74% of that water has left the lake through the flood gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam.
One other observation is so far Dallas Water Utilities has pumped 27,721.8 acre-feet from Lake Fork this year. Dallas has rights to 131,000 acre-feet, so they have taken "only" 21.2% of the water they are entitled to take and we are 42% of the way through the year. So far this year Dallas has averaged 59.4 million gallons per day of pumping from Lake Fork.
April 2016:
Below are the pumping, water releases and evaporation totals for April 2016.
Evaporation for April = 6.28 inches or about 14,650 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded for April at the SRA Headquarters = 9.84 inches.
1/ Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for April = 184.1 acre-feet or about 0.079 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for April = 5,992.9 acre-feet or about 1,952,794,855 gallons. This equals about 2.57 inches of water off the surface of the lake by pumping.
Water Released by the SRA through the Flood Gates for April = 82,989.4 acre-feet or about 27,042,212,175.16 gallons. This is the equivalent of taking 2.96 feet or 35.5 inches off the surface of Lake Fork when it is full and dumping it downstream.
So, the total water removed from the lake for April was about 44.4 inches.
2016 Totals through April:
Evaporation for 2016 = 17.74 inches or about 41,393 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded by the SRA for 2016 at the SRA Headquarters = 21.49 inches
1/ Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for 2016 = 654.5 acre-feet or about 213,269,741 gallons. This has totaled about 0.28 inches off the lake so far through 2016.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 21,778.8 acre-feet or about 7,096,652,470 gallons. This equals about 9.3 inches of water taken off the lake so far for 2016.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 212,585.6 acre-feet or about 69,271,315,379.8 gallons. This is the equivalent of 7.6 feet of water taken off the lake so far in 2016.
So, the total amount of water removed from the lake so far in 2016 is about 276,412 acre-feet or about 9.87 feet. About 77% of that water left the lake through the flood gates when the lake was overfull to prevent damage to the dam.
One other observation is so far Dallas Water Utilities has pumped 21,778.8 acre-feet from Lake Fork this year. Dallas has rights to 131,000 acre-feet, so they have taken "only" 16.6% of the water they are entitled to take and we are 1/3 of the way through the year. So far this year Dallas has averaged 58.5 million gallons per day of pumping.
1/ - To clarify the water released to communities downstream by the SRA when you are below the dam looking at the gates you will notice 2 pipes releasing water towards the lower right side of the gates. This is how the SRA releases water downstream to communities. These pipes flow most of the time, but as you can see from the numbers above this is a very small amount of water released compared to evaporation, Dallas pumping or water releases through the gates.
Steve Chick
March 2016
Below is the data for pumping, water releases and evaporation for March 2016.
Evaporation for March = 5.84 inches or about 13,140 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded for March at the SRA = 8.10 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for March = 251.6 acre-feet or 0.11 inches off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for March = 5,864 acre-feet Or 1,910,792,609.6 gallons. This equals about 2.61 inches taken off the lake by pumping.
Water Released by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull from Rain for March = 90,698.2 acre-feet or 29,554,135,447.5 gallons. This is the equivalent of taking 3.28 feet or 39.4 inches off the surface of Lake Fork when it is full and dumping it downstream.
So, the total water removed from the lake in March was about 47.96 inches.
2016 Totals through March:
Evaporation for 2016 = 11.46 inches or about 26,444 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded by the SRA for 2016 = 11.65 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Local Communities by the SRA for 2016 = 470.4 acre-feet or 153,280,498.6 gallons. This totals about 0.20 inches off the lake for 2016.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 15,785.9 acre-feet or 51,143,857,615.3 gallons. This equals about 6.84 inches off the surface of the lake. This equals about 12% of the 131,000 acre-feet that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = 129,596.2 acre-feet or 42,229,103,204.7 gallons. This is the equivalent of 4.68 feet of water being taken off the surface of the lake.
So, the total amount of water removed from Lake Fork so far in 2016 is about 172,296.5 acre-feet or about 6.22 feet. 75% of that water was released through the flood gates to prevent the lake from getting too high on the gates.
February 2016:
Below is the data for pumping, water releases and evaporation for February.
Evaporation for February = 3.11 inches or about 6,998 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA for February = 2.87 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for February = 28.5 acre-feet or 9,286,765 gallons. That equals only about 0.013 inches taken off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas for February = 4,267.3 acre-feet or 1,390,505,679 gallons. That equals about 1.9 inches taken off the lake.
Water Released by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the lake was Overfull from Rain = 0.
So, the total water removed from the lake in February was about 5 inches, but some of that was replaced by the 2.87 inches of rainfall. I guess it is not surprising that the lake level stayed fairly constant in February.
2016 Totals through February:
Evaporation for 2016 = 5.62 inches or about 12,645 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA for 2016 = 3.55 inches.
Water Released Downstream to Communities by the SRA for 2016 = 218.8 acre-feet or about 7,103,561 gallons. This totals about 0.097 inches for 2016.
Water Pumped by Dallas for 2016 = 9,921.9 acre-feet or 3,233,065,006 gallons. This equals about 4.41 inches removed from the lake. This represents about 7.6% of the 131,000 acre-feet that Dallas is entitled to pump from Lake Fork for the year.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull in 2016 = So far this year water was only released through the flood gates in early January and those totals were 38,898 acre-feet or 12,674,967,757 gallons. That was the equivalent of about 1.43 feet or 17.1 inches of water off the lake.
So, the total water removed from Lake Fork through February is about 61,688.7 acre-feet or about 2.28 feet or 27.4 inches. Well over half of that came from the releases through the gates in early January to prevent the lake from getting too high on the gates.
January 2016:
Evaporation for January = 2.51 inches or about 5,697 acre-feet.
Rainfall Recorded at the SRA for January = 0.68 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for January = 190.3 acre-feet or 62,009,521 gallons, which is the equivalent of about 0.08 inches taken off the lake's surface.
Water Pumped by Dallas for January = 5,654.6 acre-feet or 1,842,559,326 gallons or about 2.50 inches removed from the lake's surface. This represents about 4.3% of the 131,000 acre-feet that Dallas is entitled to take for the year.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the lake was Overfull from Rain in early January = 38,898 acre-feet or 12,674,967,757 gallons. This is the equivalent of 1.43 feet or 17.1 inches of water off the surface of the lake that had to be dumped downstream.
So, the total amount of water that left Lake Fork in January was 22.2 inches off the surface of the lake or 1.85 feet or about 50,440.6 acre-feet. Dumping that water downstream this time of the year is really painful as we all know it will probably be needed in mid-summer, but of course the SRA must keep the water from getting to much above full pool.
December 2015:
Evaporation for December = 2.83 inches
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for December = 61,911,766 gallons or 190 acre-feet or about 0.007 feet taken off the lake’s surface.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for December = 8,002 acre-feet or 2,607,462,903 gallons or about 0.31 feet taken off the lake’s surface.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull from Rain in December = 204,204 acre-feet or about 7.4 feet off the surface of the lake. Just in December this equaled 66.5 billion gallons of water that had to be released downstream.
2015 Year Totals
Evaporation for 2015 = 75.24 inches or 6.27 feet.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for 2015 = 7,395 acre-feet or 2,409,671,103 gallons or about 0.284 feet taken off the lake’s surface for 2015.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for 2015 = 60,756.23 acre-feet or 19,797,435,000 gallons or 2.2 feet of water removed off the surface this past year by DWU.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Overfull from Rain for 2015 = 366,940.2 acre-feet or about 13.3 feet of water taken off the surface for 2015.
So for the full year o f 2015 about 22 feet of water have been removed from the lake through evaporation, releases and pumping. It is worth noting that DWU “only” pumped 60,756 acre-feet from Lake Fork this year or less than half of what they are entitled to pump, which is about 131,000 acre-feet.
The total rainfall measured at the SRA headquarters rain gauge for 2015 was an amazing 74.99 inches (the normal average is about 44 inches).
November 2015:
Evaporation for November = 2.91 inches.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for November = 267,835,082 gallons or 822 acre-feet or about 0.03 feet taken off the lake's surface.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for November = 2,787,480,000 gallons or 8,555 acre-feet or about 0.295 feet off the surface of the lake.
Even though evaporation slowed greatly in November it still represents by far the greatest loss of water from the lake. I was surprised that DWU pumped 93 million gallons per day from Lake Fork for November, but the good news is they have turned the pumps off for awhile as we move into the low demand months for water. Currently they are drawing water from Tawakoni to meet their East Operations needs.
Year to Date Through November:
Evaporation for the year through November = 72.41 inches or 6.03 feet.
Water Released Downstream for Communities by the SRA for the Year through November = 2,347,865,082 gallons or 7,205 acre-feet, which is about 0.249 feet off the lake's surface.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for the Year through November = 16,289,900,000 gallons or 49,992 acre-feet, which equals about 1.72 feet off the lake's surface.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the Flood Gates when the Lake was overfull from Rain through November = 162,736.2 acre-feet of about 5.6 feet taken off the lake's surface.
So, for the year through November about 13.6 feet of water have been removed from the lake through evaporation, releases and pumping. Thanks to abundant lake inflows from an unbelievable year of rainfall the lake is currently above full pool.
October 2015:
Evaporation for October = 10.45 inches, which equals about 24,113 acre-feet.
Water Released Downstream for Cities by the SRA for October = 541,743,308 gallons or 1,662.6 acre feet or about 0.062 feet taken off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for October = 262,000,000 gallons or only 804 acre-feet or about 8.4 million gallons per day. This equals about 0.029 feet of water removed from the lake. This was way less than the water taken during the summer months. So, again evaporation is by far the major source of water loss for Lake Fork in October..
Year To Date Through October
Evaporation for the Year Through October = 69.5 inches or 5.79 feet or about 156,330 acre-feet..
Water Released Downstream by the SRA for Cities Through October = 6,363.4 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA Through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Over Full this Spring = 94,659.5 acre-feet.
DWU Water Pumped for the Year through October = 34,309.1 acre-feet. (Note: DWU is entitled to pump 131,000 acre-feet, so they will be well under that for 2015).
So for the year about 291,662 acre-feet of water left the lake through evaporation, releases and pumping, which is well over 10 feet of water taken off the lake. Thanks to inflow from storm water runoff earlier this year and the recent generous rains the lake is now currently full. The surface area of the lake is currently at full pool, which 27,690 surface acres.
The dam is not designed for flood storage, so if the forecasts are correct that El Nino will continue to provide lots of rainfall this winter the SRA will likely not allow the lake to go much over a half foot above full pool.
One last bit of information is that DWU pumped less than 1/3 of the water they could have pumped this summer. Had DWU pumped their full allotment then there would have been another 3.5 feet of water replace.
September 2015
Evaporation for September = 8.60 inches, which equals about 17,676 acre-feet.
Water Released Downstream for Cities by the SRA for September = 627,658,040 gallons or 1,926.2 acre feet or about 0.078 feet taken off the lake.
Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for September = 2,661,540,000 gallons or 8,168 acre-feet or about 88.7 million gallons per day. This equals about 0.33 feet or about 3.96 inches of water removed from the lake. So, again evaporation is by far the major source of water loss for Lake Fork in September, but DWU continued to increase pumping.
DWU pumped about 73 million gallons per day in August compared to the 88.7 million gallons per day pumped in September. Year To Date Through SeptemberEvaporation for the Year Through September = 59.55 inches or 4.96 feet or about 122,338 acre-feet.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA for Cities Through September = 5,204.6 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA Through the Flood Gates when the Lake was Over Full this Spring = 94,155.5 acre-feet.
DWU Water Pumped for the Year through September = 39,477 acre-feet. (Note: DWU is entitled to pump 131,000 acre-feet, so it appears they will be well under that for 2015).
So for the year about 261,175 acre-feet of water left the lake through evaporation, releases and pumping, which is about 10.6 feet of water. Thanks to inflow from storm water runoff earlier this year the lake is currently at about 2.17 feet below full pool. The surface area of the lake is currently at 24,665 surface acres. At full pool the lake is 27,690 surface acres.
As the lake continues to recede it becomes even more important that the forecasts for above normal precipitation this winter hold true.
August 2015 (Cont. from Newsletter)
Evaporation for the year through August = 50.95 inches or 4.24 feet or about 115,000 acre-feet.
Note: I had someone recently try to tell me that the bulk of evaporation is caused by landowners and golf courses using water for irrigating. This is totally false. The SRA maintains a large concrete basin or pan of water in a fenced area. They record the actual evaporation every day from the surface of the pan, so losses due to irrigating are totally separate from evaporation. Some of you may recall a couple of years ago I reported on the water used for irrigating and found that the 730 or so permits issued by the SRA for irrigation only result in less than 1 inch of water
being removed from the lake each year.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA for Cities – So far, through August, the SRA has released 3,278.4 acre-feet of water downstream. That equals only about 0.12 feet or about 1.5 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA through the flood gates when Lake Fork was over full – The SRA released 94,155.5 acre-feet of water downstream early this summer when the lake was over full due excessive rain and runoff. That equals about 3.5 feet of water that had to be dumped. As you will recall Lake Fork is not a flood control reservoir and the flood gates are not designed to be able to hold water, so the SRA tried to manage the lake to not exceed any more than 0.5 feet above full pool.
DWU Water Pumped for the Year through August – DWU has pumped 31,309 acre-feet of water from Lake Fork through August of this year. That equals about 1.15 feet of water or 13.8 inches of water taken off the surface due to pumping. During August DWU really ramped up pumping from Lake Fork taking over 73 million gallons per day, which equates to 6,948 acre-feet or 2,264,048,112 gallons of water. That sounds like a lot of water, but it actually equates to about 0.28 feet of water or 3.4 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
Note: DWU reported that during May and June they pumped exclusively from Lake Tawakoni to provide water for their Eastside Operations. With their current pipe and pumping system DWU can only pump from either Tawakoni or Fork, but not both at the same time. Ray Hubbard is the other lake they draw from for their Eastside Operations and its intake was being dredged at that time. Starting in July DWU switched from Tawakoni to Lake Fork. Part of the reason for the increase in pumping from Lake Fork is that the NTMWD began demanding their water right of 17 million gallons per day. Below is a summary table showing how much water in acre-feet has been pumped from each of the DWU Eastside Operations reservoirs as of 9/18/2015.
As of 9/18/2015 Ray Hubbard was down 2.17 feet, Tawakoni 1.08 feet and Lake Fork 1.61 feet.
For the year about 244,000 acre-feet of water has left Lake Fork through evaporation, releases and pumping, which is about 9 feet of water. Thanks to all the inflow from storm runoff early this summer the lake is currently only about 1.7 feet below full pool. The surface area of the lake is currently about 25,175 surface acres. At full pool the lake is 27,690 surface acres.
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August 2015
Evaporation for August = 11.2 inches, which equals about 24,000 acre-feet or about 0.93 feet.
Water Released Downstream for Cities by the SRA for August = 1,455.7 acre-feet, which equals 474,341,883 gallons or about 0.057 feet. Water Pumped by Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) for August = 6,948.1 acre-feet or 2,264,048,112 gallons for the month or about 73,033,810 million gallons per day on average. This equals about 0.28 feet of water or about 3.4 inches of water for the month. So, evaporation was by far the major source of the lake dropping in August, but I was surprised to learn that DWU pumped as much as they did. DWU pumped about 3 times what they pumped for July.
The bottom line is the lake lost about 15 inches in August with 75% of that coming from evaporation.
Year to Date Through August
Evaporation for the Year Through August = 50.95 inches or 4.24 feet or about 115,000 acre-feet.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA for Cities = 3,278.4 acre-feet.
Water Released by the SRA Through the Flood Gates when the Lake was over Full = 94,155.5 acre-feet.
DWU Water Pumped for the Year Through August = 31,309 acre-feet.
So for the year about 244,000 acre-feet of water has left the lake through evaporation, releases and pumping, which is about 9 feet of water. Thanks to all the inflow from storm runoff earlier this year the lake is currently only 1.4 feet below full pool. The surface area of the lake is currently at 25,196 surface acres. At full pool Lake Fork is 27,690 surface acres.
Let's hope for that above average precipitation that is predicted for this winter.
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July 2015
Evaporation for July = 11.22 inches, which equals 26,000 acre-feet or 8,472,136,400 gallons or about 0.93 feet.
Water Released Downstream by the SRA for July = 528.4 acre-feet, which equals 172,143,000 gallons or about 0.02 feet.
Water Pumped by DWU for July = 2,259.1 acre-feet or 736,126,000 gallons for the month or about 23.75 million gallons per day on average. This equals about 0.08 feet of water or about 1 inch for the month.
So, evaporation was by far the major source of the lake dropping in July, but I was surprised to learn that DWU pumped as much as they did. I figured they would pump a couple of days just to run the pumps, but a couple of days should only equal about 180,000,000 gallons.
The bottom line is the lake receded by just about 1 foot in July with over 90% of that due to evaporation.
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June 2015
What a difference a couple of months makes. Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) did not pump any water from Lake Fork during the month of May. DWU is in the process of dredging the Ray Hubbard pump station intake, which will continue through June. They are currently only pumping water from Lake Tawakoni to feed the Eastside Operations plus they are also moving some water from the west side lakes since they are so much above full pool. DWU is not currently taking water from Lake Fork to meet the commitment to NTMWD. NTMWD's lakes are all full, so they do not need the Lake Fork water at this time.
The SRA released nearly 72,000 acre-feet of water through the gates once the lake was full. Had they not released the water then Lake Fork probably would have been well over 2 feet above full pool. For those us with boat houses on the lake we are glad they released the water. In addition 252 acre-feet were released for commitments to downstream communities. Quitman and Bright Star-Salem took 28 acre-feet through their intakes.
At this time Lake Fork remains at 0.4 of a foot above full pool. The lake is beautiful.
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May 2015
A few weeks ago Ken Delnegro at Dallas Water Utilities informed me there is planned construction work on the Iron Bridge Pump Station at Lake Tawakoni that would likely require DWU to hold the water level down at Tawakoni. So, I emailed Ken this week to see if that is why Tawakoni has not reached full pool.
Ken informed me that Tawakoni is down due to lack of rain in its watershed and not the result of pumping. He reminded me that Tawakoni is a huge lake and the last 3 feet is a lot of water.
As part of his response Ken informed me that about 3 weeks ago they switched from pumping at Lake Fork to Lake Tawakoni. They will be dredging the Lake Ray Hubbard pump station intake through June and didn’t want to be on Lake Fork-only water due to treatability issues, so they are on Tawakoni-only through June.
Ken also shared that he does not know when the Iron Bridge Pump Station work will occur, but it will be anytime soon.
Dallas's Eastside Operations is "only" using 80 million gallons per day from Tawakoni due to rain-related low demand across the system. He said that since their western lakes (Grapevine, Ray Roberts and Lewisville) are 5-9 feet above conservation pool, they will favor those until they reach normal pool. He suspects that will take until midsummer at least.
I specifically asked Ken if they had the ability to move water from their Westside Operations to their Eastside Operations thinking that would make sense since the western lakes have excess water. He said they can move water throughout their distribution system but they cannot operate very long without the Eastside Operations.
My take away from this is that right now it appears there will be very limited pumping from Lake Fork until at least mid-summer. I will continue to provide the monthly pumping reports to see if this is the case.
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March 2015
Dallas Water Utilities pumped 1,672,420,000 gallons of water from Lake Fork Reservoir for the month of March. That is equal to 5,132.5 acre-feet of water and 53.9 million gallons per day. This was more than what was pumped in February, which was 1.4 billion gallons/3,872 acre-feet/45 million gallons per day, but still far less that what they pumped last fall.
So far for the year they have pumped 16,132.5 acre-feet, which equals about 12.3% of the total that DWU is entitled to pump for the entire year of 2015. The water pumped by DWU for the month of March equals about 2.5 inches of water off the surface of the lake.
Those of you who attended the Lake Fork Sportsman's Association meeting in Emory over a year ago will recall that DWU reported they had signed a contract to deliver 17.8 million gallons per day of water to Lake Tawakoni for use by the North Texas Municipal Water District. Early in March DWU initiated delivery of that water. It is included above in what was pumped for March.
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February 2015
I just received the pumping report for February. DWU pumped nearly 1.4 billion gallons for the month or 45 million gallons per day for February. That is significantly less than the 100 million gallons per day they were pumping last Fall. The water pumped for February equals 3,872 acre-feet. So far DWU has pumped 11,000 acre-feet of water since January 1, which represents 8.4% of the 131,000 acre-feet that DWU is allowed to take each year. The water pumped for February equals about 2.2 inches of water removed off the lake's surface.
The SRA reported 4.15 inches of rainfall for the month of February. That moisture plus the lower pumping by DWU has allowed the lake to rise from 7.09 feet low to 6.18 feet low during February.
The ground is saturated and the ponds are all full, so any intense storms right now would likely create the kind of runoff that we need to make headway in refilling the lake.
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January 2015
I just received the pumping for January. DWU pumped 2,322,780,000 gallons or 75 million gallons per day for January. From August through December DWU had averaged pumping over 100 million gallons per day. You will recall that DWU reported that they planned to take less water in January due to some repairs they were making in the system, so it appears that is what happened. The water pumped for January equals 7,128 acre-feet. Since DWU is allowed to take up to 131,000 acre-feet per year then that means they pumped 5.4% of the total allowed for the year in January. The water pumped for January equals about 4 inches of water removed off the lake's surface.
This seems like a good news/bad news kind of thing. It is good to know that with the rainfall we received in January that the lake held its own despite 75 million gallons per day being pumped. The bad news is that we did not gain much for the rainfall received and most likely DWU will eventually get back to pumping over 100 million gallons per day.
As usual we need to hope and pray for more intensive rain events this spring.