Houston City Council unanimously approved at the March 3 meeting a $2.4 million budget increase for the Coastal Water Authority, which will be used to fund an ongoing $2.25 million study to determine Lake Houston's water quality.

CWA's fiscal year 2019-20 budget almost doubled year-over-year, from $2.8 million in FY 2018-19 to roughly $5.2 million in FY 2019-20. In addition to the Lake Houston Water Quality Study, the increase will be used to purchase a major pump, repair a pump motor and add more field staff for lake operations.

The water quality study, which began in spring 2019 and will be completed this winter, will examine how different factors affect Lake Houston's water quality and hydraulics, said Erin Jones, public information officer for Houston Public Works, via email. Some factors include dredging the lake and its tributaries and lowering Lake Houston prior to severe events.

"The findings of the study will allow the city to better prepare for potential impacts to the water quality of the lake from ongoing activities and severe weather events, understand the water quality implications from blending the Trinity River water supply with existing city of Houston water supplies, and refine lake operation protocols for rain and storm events," Jones said.