Waco Water Utility Services

On the Brazos River, a few hundred yards downstream from the La Salle Avenue Bridge lies the Lake Brazos Dam.

About forty years ago city leaders decided that a dam below Waco would significantly widen the river and stabilize the river level. These improvements would enhance the natural beauty of the Brazos River through Waco.

Additionally, the dam would create an impoundment from which up to 5,600 acre-feet of water can be withdrawn annually for municipal purposes. This withdrawal was secured by the City of Waco by permit number 2333 dated June 29, 1914. This was later incorporated under certificate of adjudication number 12-4340 in June of 1986. Enhancing the river's potential would stimulate economic development in the downtown Central Business District as well as promote tourism.

Since the original dam was constructed there have been many new developments. McLennan Community College has built the Bosque River Stage and Amphitheater. Baylor University has developed all along the eastern edge near the river including a new law school, natural history museum and a soon to be finished science building. These improvements along with a world-class athletic complex have been built immediately adjacent to the Brazos River.

In addition, Baylor operates a marina on the Brazos River to facilitate sailing and canoeing opportunities. Other colleges from Colorado and Kansas routinely travel to Waco for early spring rowing practices. The City of Waco has also made many improvements including; miles of riverwalk and various parkway improvements that include landscaping, lighting and a boat dock in Cameron Park. Recent improvements include the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and upgrades to the Texas Ranger Museum.

The existing dam was completed in 1970. The structure, which originally consisted of two drum gates, has quite a history for poor or non-performance. The original design, despite several modifications, did not function as intended for a reliable town lake. In 1985, hydraulic cylinders were attached to the underside of the massive gates (117 feet each) to provide a positive control mechanism for maintaining the level of Lake Brazos.

Construction began on the new Lake Brazos Dam in January 2006. The new dam is a concrete labyrinth weir design that will require less maintenance and has no moving parts. It will be vital to the development of the downtown area.

A ceremony was held November 13, 2007 to celebrate the completion of the new dam.

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	On the Brazos River, a few hundred yards downstream from the La Salle Avenue Bridge lies the Lake Brazos Dam. About forty years ago city leaders decided that a dam below Waco would significantly widen the river and stabilize the river level. These improvements would enhance the natural beauty of the Brazos River through Waco. Additionally, the dam would create an impoundment from which up to 5,600 acre-feet of water can be withdrawn annually for municipal purposes. This withdrawal was secured by the City of Waco by permit number 2333 dated June 29, 1914. This was later incorporated under certificate of adjudication number 12-4340 in June of 1986. Enhancing the river's potential would stimulate economic development in the downtown Central Business District as well as promote tourism. Since the original dam was constructed there have been many new developments. McLennan Community College has built the Bosque River Stage and Amphitheater. Baylor University has developed all along the eastern edge near the river including a new law school, natural history museum and a soon to be finished science building. These improvements along with a world-class athletic complex have been built immediately adjacent to the Brazos River. In addition, Baylor operates a marina on the Brazos River to facilitate sailing and canoeing opportunities. Other colleges from Colorado and Kansas routinely travel to Waco for early spring rowing practices. The City of Waco has also made many improvements including; miles of riverwalk and various parkway improvements that include landscaping, lighting and a boat dock in Cameron Park. Recent improvements include the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and upgrades to the Texas Ranger Museum. The existing dam was completed in 1970. The structure, which originally consisted of two drum gates, has quite a history for poor or non-performance. The original design, despite several modifications, did not function as intended for a reliable town lake. In 1985, hydraulic cylinders were attached to the underside of the massive gates (117 feet each) to provide a positive control mechanism for maintaining the level of Lake Brazos. Construction began on the new Lake Brazos Dam in January 2006. The new dam is a concrete labyrinth weir design that will require less maintenance and has no moving parts. It will be vital to the development of the downtown area. A ceremony was held November 13, 2007 to celebrate the completion of the new dam. Back to Projects & Info
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City of Waco Water Utility Services \| PO Box 2570 \| Waco, Texas 76702-2570 \| 254/299-2489 \| www.wacowater.com