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Lake Livingston is a reservoir located in Piney Woods, Texas, and is the third-largest lake in the state. The lake was built, and is owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority (TRA) of Texas, and is used to supply water for industrial, municipal, and agricultural needs in the lower Trinity River Basin and the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. The lake has a surface area of 83,000 acres and a normal pool elevation of 131 feet above mean sea level. In recent years, there have been concerns about pollution in Lake Livingston, particularly regarding the presence of harmful chemical compounds in fish samples. This has led to the Texas Department of State Health Services issuing a fish consumption advisory for the lake and portions of the Trinity River. With its vast surface area and importance to the region, understanding the pollution levels and potential risks associated with Lake Livingston is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of the surrounding communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Piney Woods in Houston, Madison, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties in east Texas, United States |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Size | 83,000-90,000 acres |
| Surface Area | 360 km squared |
| Depth | 23-77 feet |
| Length of Dam | 2.5 miles |
| Water Usage | Supplies water to four surrounding counties and the city of Houston |
| Water Quality | In 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a fish consumption advisory due to elevated levels of harmful chemical compounds |
| Flood Control | Lake Livingston was built with no flood control or flood-storage capabilities |
| Hydroelectric Power | The R.C. Thomas Hydroelectric Project generates electricity by utilizing water flowing from Lake Livingston to the Trinity River |
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What You'll Learn
Lake Livingston's water quality
Lake Livingston is a reservoir located in Piney Woods, Houston, Texas, and is the third-largest lake in the state. The lake was built, and is owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority (TRA) of Texas, under contract with the City of Houston for water supply purposes. The lake has a surface area of 83,000 acres and a normal pool elevation of 131 feet above mean sea level.
The water in Lake Livingston is used for industrial, municipal, and agricultural needs in the lower Trinity River Basin and the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. The lake is also a popular location for fishing, particularly white bass and catfish.
In terms of water quality, Lake Livingston has been the subject of some concern. In 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a fish consumption advisory for the lake and portions of the Trinity River after laboratory testing found elevated levels of harmful chemical compounds, specifically dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These compounds are persistent environmental pollutants, according to the World Health Organization, and regular or long-term consumption of fish from these waters may increase the likelihood of long-term health risks. The advisory was for seven types of fish, including blue catfish, flathead catfish, and striped bass.
Additionally, Lake Livingston has no flood control or flood storage capabilities. This means that all water entering the lake, from rainfall or inflow, must exit the lake, which can impact the lake's water levels and quality. For example, during Hurricane Rita in 2005, the lake reached a level of 133.52 feet above mean sea level and released 110,600 cubic feet of water per second. Similarly, in 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused the lake to release a significant amount of water, which may have impacted the water quality downstream.
Overall, while Lake Livingston is an important source of water for the region, there are some concerns about the water quality, particularly regarding the presence of pollutants in the fish population and the lack of flood control measures. Regular monitoring and management of the lake's water quality are crucial to ensure the safety of the ecosystem and the communities that rely on it.
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Fish consumption advisory
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) monitors fish in the state for environmental contaminants. The department issues advisories and consumption bans when there is a threat to human health from consuming contaminated fish.
In 2015, the TDSHS issued a fish consumption advisory for Lake Livingston and portions of the Trinity River. Lab testing of fish samples found elevated levels of harmful chemical compounds, namely dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These compounds are persistent environmental pollutants, according to the World Health Organization. The advisory applies to seven types of fish: blue catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, gar, smallmouth buffalo, striped bass, and white bass. The advisory warns that regular or long-term consumption of these fish from Lake Livingston and the specified portions of the Trinity River may increase the likelihood of long-term health risks.
The TDSHS provides specific recommendations for different age groups and species of fish. For instance, women of childbearing age and children under 12 are advised not to consume certain fish species, while adults are advised to limit their consumption of white bass and striped bass to three 8-ounce servings per month.
The contamination of fish in Lake Livingston is a cause for concern, and it is recommended that anglers follow the TDSHS guidelines to minimize potential health risks associated with consuming fish from this body of water. The issue of pollution in Lake Livingston and the Trinity River highlights the importance of environmental protection and the need for proper waste disposal to safeguard the health of both the ecosystem and those who utilize it for recreation and food sources.
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Lake Livingston's flood damage
Lake Livingston is a reservoir located in Piney Woods in Houston, Madison, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties in east Texas. It was built, and is owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority (TRA) of Texas, under contract with the City of Houston for water supply purposes. The lake is the third-largest lake in Texas, with a surface area of 83,000 acres (some sources state 90,000 acres) and a maximum depth of 77 feet (23.5 metres).
Lake Livingston was not designed for flood control or flood storage. Instead, it is a water conservation reservoir. This means that all water entering the lake, whether from rainfall or inflow, must exit the lake as increased intake occurs. The dam's spillway is designed to pass flows of three times the maximum recorded flow of the river at the site, and the dam itself can pass more than 300,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water.
During Hurricane Rita in 2005, waves of up to 4 feet (1.2 metres) in height pounded against the Lake Livingston dam. As a result, 11,000 feet (3.4 kilometres) of large protective stones were stripped from the upstream face of the dam. The TRA lowered the lake's pool level by 4 feet (1.2 metres) to prevent any further erosion of the exposed earthen embankment.
In 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, Lake Livingston reached a level of 133.52 feet (40.70 metres) above mean sea level and released 110,600 cubic feet (3,130 cubic metres) of water per second. In May 2024, several counties in and near the Trinity River basin declared a state of disaster, and Polk County issued a mandatory evacuation order.
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The lake's hydroelectric power generation
Lake Livingston, the third-largest lake in Texas, was completed in 1971. The lake was built and is owned and operated by the Trinity River Authority (TRA) of Texas, under contract with the City of Houston for water-supply purposes. The lake supplies water to four surrounding counties, as well as the city of Houston.
In 2021, the East Texas Electric Cooperative, the Trinity River Authority, and the City of Houston dedicated the R.C. Thomas Hydroelectric Project, which generates electricity by utilising the power of water flowing from Lake Livingston to the Trinity River below. The 24-megawatt plant generates approximately 124 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power around 12,000 households. The level of the lake is not affected during the operation of the project.
The R.C. Thomas Hydroelectric Project is a testament to the region's commitment to sustainable practices and the efficient utilisation of natural resources. By harnessing the power of water, the project provides a clean and reliable source of energy, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future for Texas.
While Lake Livingston is a vital source of water and energy for the region, it has also faced challenges. In 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a fish consumption advisory for the lake due to elevated levels of harmful chemical compounds, specifically dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These compounds are persistent environmental pollutants, and regular or long-term consumption of fish from these waters may pose potential health risks.
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Lake Livingston's water supply
Lake Livingston is a reservoir located in Piney Woods in Houston, Madison, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties in east Texas, United States. It is the third-largest lake in Texas, with a surface area of 83,000 acres and a 450-mile shoreline. The lake was built, and is owned and operated by, the Trinity River Authority (TRA) of Texas, under contract with the City of Houston for water supply purposes.
The lake provides water to four surrounding counties, as well as the city of Houston, for industrial, municipal, and agricultural needs. Houston owns two-thirds of the water rights to the lake, with the other third controlled by the TRA. The lake is an important source of water for the region, particularly given the growth experienced in the upper Texas Gulf Coast area.
Lake Livingston was constructed between 1966 and 1969, with the lake and dam completed in 1971. The lake was financed and built by the TRA, with the construction paid for by the sale of revenue bonds, which were to be redeemed with income from water sales. The lake was designed as a water supply reservoir, intended to stay full, rather than for flood control. The dam has a normal pool elevation of 131 feet above mean sea level, with a spillway crest elevation of 99 feet. The flow of water through the dam is controlled by 12 tainter gates in a concrete and steel spillway, which mirrors river flow.
In terms of pollution, there have been some concerns about the presence of harmful chemical compounds in the lake's water. In 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a fish consumption advisory for Lake Livingston after elevated levels of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found in fish samples. These compounds are persistent environmental pollutants, according to the World Health Organization. The advisory warned that regular or long-term consumption of fish from the lake may increase the risk of long-term health issues.
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