1. The Lake Report
by Blake Kellum, SJRA
November 7, 2012
It seems that Fall has finally arrived in Southeast Texas and none too soon for me… August was
a scorcher, around here, with temperatures and dry conditions matching those of last year.
The rains that finally came in October did bring an end to another mini drought around Lake
Livingston and Lake Conroe but did little to help bring back full lake levels.
Now that November has arrived it seems that the rains are coming more frequently so there is
still hope that Lake Conroe can gain another three feet to top off at normal pool before Spring
arrives.
The San Jacinto River Authority’s Groundwater Reduction Program (GRP) has kicked off its
project to build and operate a large volume surface-water production facility located on the
east abutment of Lake Conroe Dam. The large amount of heavy equipment seen floating out in
front of the Dam, as well as the loading yard on the Dam’s west end are visible signs of the
projects commencement. The construction can be seen from Hwy 105 West near McCaleb
Road. All of this waterborne activity is related to the construction of the new raw water intake
structure located on the eastern end of the Dam. The barges and cranes will be on the water
for the better part of the next year until all below deck construction is complete.
The contractor that is leading this effort is McCarthy Building Companies Inc. with offices
located at the new surface water plant site off of Longmire Road.

2. Heavy construction
equipment
in front of Lake Conroe Dam
McCarthy’s loading and
dredge spoil storage area
near Hwy 105 and McCaleb
Rd.

3. Lake Conroe level is steady at 198.13msl, almost 3 feet below normal pool of 201.00msl, with
no releases being made at this time.
Lake Livingston level, as reported from the TRA website, is at 130.61msl, or down slightly from
full pool elevation of 131.00msl. TRA is currently releasing 1,000cfs from the Dam.
As always for more information go to: www.sjra.net or www.trinityra.org.