​Royal Oak Estates - Community Web Site

 

June 2020

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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.

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May 2020

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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.

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April 2020

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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

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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.

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February 2020

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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.

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January 2020

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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.

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December 2019

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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.

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November 2019

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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? 

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October 2019

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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May 2019

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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.

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April 2019

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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January 2019

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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.

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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.