Lake Conroe Association issues complaint to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality over lake lowering

The Lake Conroe Association filed a complaint with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on June 30 to end the seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe.

The TCEQ is an agency that "strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development," according to its wesite. In a press release, the LCA claims the lake lowering does not mitigate flooding from hurricanes as has been said by the San Jacinto River Authority.

“By contrast, lowering Lake Conroe threatens one of the primary water sources of Montgomery County, threatens the backup water supply for Houston, and violates the TCEQ permit, state law, and water conservation efforts,” the press release said. “Further, the potential adverse impacts of lowering the lake have not been evaluated, e.g., the environmental impacts on egrets, heron, eagles, fish species, and the habitat of other birds and wildlife that depend on Lake Conroe.”

The SJRA voted to continue lowering the lake in February. However, the SJRA modified its order to lower the lake 199.5 feet instead of 199 feet as has been in effect.

“That way, it doesn’t impact people on the lake so much,” SJRA President Lloyd Tisdale said.

The seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe is intended to act as a preventive measure, preventing downstream flooding by increasing the capacity of Lake Conroe to capture water during massive rainfall events, according to the SJRA.

The issue has sparked past debate between Lake Conroe- and Kingwood-area residents, with many Lake Conroe residents saying the lowering does not prevent flooding and harms property values, while Kingwood residents said the lowering does help protect their homes from flooding.