Lake water study approved

MARION COUNTY – The Northeast Texas Municipal Water District approved a water availability study for Lake O’ the Pines in Marion County on Monday, aimed at increasing water use and storage for local cities dealing East Texas’ growing population. According to our news partner KETK, this analysis also seeks to address public concerns that arose last year amid talks of selling water from Lake O’ the Pines to the DFW Metroplex.

Carollo Engineering, an Austin-based firm, was selected to conduct the study. This comprehensive review will explore how the district can more effectively utilize Lake O’ the Pines’ water resources in the future.

Osiris Brantley, general manager for the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District, noted the community’s apprehensions.

“There are a lot of concerned citizens who are concerned over us potentially selling water, so this is just a way to have experts look at everything, and hopefully, when the studies are done and presented to the public, that will ease public concerns so they can see the real numbers,” Brantley said.

Carollo Engineering indicated that the study could help protect the quality of water for East Texans. The firm stated that the study would enable those overseeing Lake O’ the Pines to make informed decisions for northeast Texas customers.

The study will employ various models to determine the best allocation of water to several cities within the district and to assess how much water can be stored at the lake throughout the year. Beyond water allocation and storage, the study will also address water supply needs during droughts or natural disasters that may disrupt normal operations.
The water availability study is expected to begin in approximately six months.