Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Lake Ralph Hall Project FAQs
Q: When did construction begin, and when will the project be completed?
A: Construction of the new lake began mid-2021, and water delivery is expected by 2026.
Q: Why is the lake being built, and who is building it?
A: The North Texas region, which includes Denton and Collin Counties, is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation. Upper Trinity Regional Water District, which serves 29 communities in Denton and Collin Counties, is building Lake Ralph Hall to provide essential water for the area it serves. Upper Trinity will operate andown the water in Lake Ralph Hall.
Q: Who will receive water from Lake Ralph Hall?
A: Lake Ralph Hall will provide 35 million gallons daily (MGD) of raw water and 19 MGD of reuse water for residents and businesses in Denton and Collin counties, as well as a portion of Fannin county.
Q: What is the cost of the project?
A: The estimated cost is approximately $490 million, which includes planning, permitting, purchasing land, designing and construction. The Texas Water Development Board’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program will be used to help finance the project.
Q: What are the project components?
A: Components include:
- A dam, spillway and lake intake
- 32 miles of untreated water pipeline and balancing reservoir
- Roadway relocations/improvements and a new lake bridge
- Lake office and maintenance facilities
- Environmental improvements in specific areas around the lake
Q: What will happen to the Ladonia Fossil Park?
A: During construction of the new lake, the original fossil park has been closed and temporarily relocated to the east side of FM 2990, north side of the North Sulphur River(learn more).UTRWD is also coordinating with the City of Ladonia and others in selecting a new, permanent site downstream of the reservoir.
Q: Will water from Lake Ralph Hall be available to local residents?
A: Water from Lake Ralph Hall will be available for local use within the Sulphur River Basin in Fannin County.
Q: What are the impacts of construction?
A: UTRWD is working with the local community to minimize any impacts that may exist. The work won’t have major impacts on local residents. Work includes roadway relocations and improvements as well as construction of a new lake bridge.
Q: What are the environmental impacts of this project and planned environmental improvements?
A: The reservoir site is on a portion of the North Sulphur River that has experienced extensive erosion since the river channel was altered in the 1920s – going from 16 feet wide by 10 feet deep to approximate 300 feet wide and 60 feet deep. This is over 20 times its original size. Hundreds of acres of valuable land/soil, trees and wildlife habitat have been lost to this erosion.
Lake Ralph Hall’s mitigation components will actually help reduce the impact of the continued erosion and restore portions of the original river channel to its beautiful and natural, meandering path. Environmental mitigation is underway in specific areas around the lake, including portions of the original river channel.
Q: What are the economic benefits of this project?
A: Not only will the lake keep the economy of the region strong by avoiding water shortages, it will bring billions of dollars in economic benefits to Fannin, Denton, Dallas, and Collin Counties. It will be a stimulus to the region, especially to Ladonia, which will benefit from a large lake nearby providing recreational uses, such as fishing and boating, in the city’s backyard. This project has the support of more than 35 local organizations including cities, water districts, chambers of commerce and citizen groups.