Lower Bois d'Arc Creek Reservoir: Project components, operations and collaboration with Fannin County

As currently planned, the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir project to be located in Fannin County, east of Bonham, will cost nearly $1 billion to construct, and will provide water for residents of Fannin County, as well as the cities and customers of the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD). The project will be funded through bonds issued by the NTMWD that will be paid for by water sales. No tax dollars will be used.

The process of purchasing land and obtaining necessary permits is continuing. NTMWD officials anticipate the permitting process will be completed within six months so construction can begin in 2016. The current schedule calls for construction of the lake infrastructure to be completed in 2019, and depending on weather and rainfall patterns, the lake should fill and be delivering water as early as 2020.

Once in service, the lake will be managed to ensure the proper balance between water supply and quality needs. The reservoir will be operated as part of the overall NTMWD water system, and conservation will continue to be a major focus as the NTMWD promotes the efficient use of water throughout the north Texas region.

Once the federal permitting process has concluded, the NTMWD will know the final project scope which will help shape an agreement with the Fannin County Water Supply Agency to address any remaining local issues beyond federal requirements. In 2009, the NTMWD executed a preliminary agreement with the Fannin County Water Supply Agency committing to provide water supply from the reservoir and treatment for members of the Agency that request to receive potable water service. Both parties have committed to negotiate terms for a more detailed Customer Water Supply Agreement between the Agency and NTMWD following the completion of the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir federal permitting process.

Construction of the lake will be a major public works project and the largest component will be construction of a 90-foot-tall dam, adjoining pump station and water intake facility. Planning is underway right now not only for construction of these components, but also for utilities and public roads. NTMWD is working with utility companies on plans for moving power lines, underground pipelines and other utilities, and also working with local and state transportation planners.

Working in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), NTMWD is acquiring land and preparing engineering designs for Farm to Market Road (FM) 897, including a bridge which will provide access across the lake. NTMWD officials are also collaborating with Fannin County officials on plans for county and local roads that will be impacted by the 16,525-surface-acre lake.

For more information on the Lower Bois d’Arc Creek Reservoir project, please visit www.NTMWD.com.