Ongoing Drought Conditions Affect Toledo Bend Operations

(Toledo Bend Reservoir) The ongoing drought conditions have taken a toll on water resources in the States of Louisiana and Texas. Drought conditions have affected operations at the Toledo Bend Reservoir operated jointly by the Sabine River Authority, State of Louisiana and the Sabine River Authority of Texas (Authorities). The Authorities' responsibility to satisfy downstream flow requirements necessary to meet major industrial water contracts from diversion canals downstream of Toledo Bend Reservoir become even more challenging as drought conditions, which began with a very dry winter and spring, have persisted through the summer.

Since the latter part of April, it has been necessary for the Authorities to release water from the reservoir to meet these downstream commitments by running one hydroelectric generating unit 2 and ½ hours every other day which later changed to 3 hours every other day due to persistent drought conditions. The impact of these downstream releases on lowering Toledo Bend Reservoir levels has been minimal (approximately 1 ½ - 2 inches per month) compared to the impact evaporation has had on lake levels (calculated at 12.29 inches for the month of August). Maximum temperatures averaging 102° F since the first of August have increased the effect of evaporation on the lake levels. Current low lake levels preclude the Authorities from continuing to release water through the hydroelectric generating system leaving the spillway gates as the next water release alternative.

To continue to accomplish the necessary water releases, one spillway gate is opened approximately 7 inches 24 hours per day to release a continuous flow of water downstream. The persistent drought conditions have necessitated Toledo Bend operational modifications that have never had to be made in the history of the reservoir. The Authorities will continually monitor lake levels and downstream conditions to determine any necessary adjustments that need to be made. Normal operations will resume as conditions improve. The Authorities encourage all boaters and recreational users to use good judgment and be safety conscious at all times.

For any questions, please contact the offices at
(337) 286-5255 (SRA-LA) or (409) 565-2273 (SRA-TX).