After nearly a decade of low water levels at Lake Colorado City, the lake levels are on the rise due to recent rainfall.
The lake covers more than 1,600 surface acres at normal levels, but had fallen to just 20 percent of capacity recently. The low water levels also created high salinity levels and resulted in cool water temperatures in the fall and winter, which led to concentrations of active golden algae blooms. These environmental factors have impacted the fishery and wiped out most of the lake’s water recreation.
The lake is currently nearly 50 percent full, with an eight-foot increase in the water level.
“Many prayers were answered this past week when nearly nine inches of rain fell on the Morgan Creek, a watershed that feeds the lake,” said Kyle O’Haver, superintendent at Lake Colorado City State Park.
The park has opened one floating dock and the park staff is preparing the boat ramp and hope to be able to launch boats soon.
The current condition of the lake’s fish and algae situation are unknown. Inflow of freshwater from the recent rainfall may lower the salinity levels and prevent future algae blooms.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division will monitor the levels of golden algae. If golden algae testing and water levels show sustained improvement, fish may be restocked in the lake.
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