Brazos River as a supplemental water supply for Waco, Texas
3/23/2023 4:33:30 PM
CATEGORIES:
Relief, Response & Restrictions
Water Supply & Quality
AFFECTED AREAS:
McLennan County, TX
Waco, TX
Start Date: 3/21/2023
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The city of Waco was eyeing the Brazos River as a supplemental water supply in the event that the level of Lake Waco continued to fall this summer. The lake was nearly 11 feet below normal after 14 months of drought in McLennan County. Stage 2 drought restrictions took effect in July 2022 and may become Stage 3 restrictions by May if the lake level continued its decline. Lake Waco was at 451.2 feet above sea level and was 58% full, which is below the normal elevation of 462 feet. Stage 3 restrictions, which would begin when the level dipped to 449 feet, or 50% full, limits outdoor watering to once weekly.
The Brazos River contains salt because it comes from saline springs and would need to be diluted with water from Lake Waco for it to be useable. The city has rights to some water from the river and bought more rights to the river in February 2022.
Waco Tribune-Herald (Texas), March 21, 2023
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