Trinity River Authority of Texas

The Trinity River Authority (TRA) is aware of a video circulating online regarding Lake Livingston Dam. TRA routinely monitors and evaluates the condition and performance of the dam in coordination with engineering professionals, regulatory agencies and technical experts.

There is no indication the structural integrity of Lake Livingston Dam has been compromised. Current inspection findings, monitoring information and engineering evaluations do not support claims of sudden or dangerous structural movement at the dam.

Following the historic flooding events of spring 2024 and the completion of emergency spillway stabilization work, additional monitoring and evaluation measures were implemented pursuant to regulatory requirements. These efforts build upon longstanding monitoring programs that include survey benchmarks and ongoing inspections designed to identify and track any meaningful changes in dam conditions over time. Information presented in the online video appears inconsistent with verified inspection records, established monitoring data and direct engineering observations collected during those efforts.

Construction activities associated with the emergency response and stabilization work were completed in January 2025. Following completion of those repairs, the Emergency Action Plan status was downgraded from “Potential Failure Watch” to “Watch Condition.” This status is not related to any observed structural failure or instability at the dam. Instead, it reflects the need for planned long-term spillway improvements based on updated studies of extreme flooding scenarios, including events larger than those experienced during Hurricane Harvey.

TRA continues to work closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the East Texas Electrical Cooperative, Inc., the City of Houston and expert engineering consultants on the evaluation, design and implementation of permanent spillway improvements.

During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature appropriated funding to assist with those improvements as part of continued investment in critical Texas water infrastructure and long-term water security. Design of permanent improvements is currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027.

TRA remains committed to transparency and public safety and will continue providing updates as additional information becomes available. For more information, visit www.trinityra.org/LakeLivingstonUpdates

Today, we honor the heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their courage.

On April 25, the Trinity River Authority participated in CASA's third annual All About Kids Expo, a free, family-friendly event that connects children and families with valuable community resources.

TRA staff engaged with attendees to share water education, explain our role in everyday water use and highlight how our work supports healthy communities.

The expo provided a meaningful opportunity to answer questions, build connections and encourage environmental awareness among families of all ages. We’re proud to be part of an event that helps children and families learn and explore together.

The Trinity River Authority of Texas teamed up with Friends of Lake Livingston to support 50 Coldspring High School students during a hands-on learning day at Lake Livingston. Students tested water quality, studied aquatic life and planted more than 1,000 native plants, mostly American water willows, to help improve shoreline habitat.

Since 2013, this partnership has given students and community members the chance to learn by doing while helping reduce erosion, improve water quality and support conservation.

We’re proud to support efforts that help keep Lake Livingston healthy for future generations.🛥️🌿

Attention Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, and Tarrant County homeowners with septic systems!

Join TRA and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service-Johnson County for a FREE clinic covering septic system basics, proper maintenance, and how to spot issues before they become costly problems in the Joe Pool Lake and Village Creek–Lake Arlington watersheds.

👉 Register here:https://forms.gle/3MBRmJCX948UV7qN9

On April 16, Texas Parks and Wildlife, stocked one million, Hybrid-Striper Fry into Lake Livingston. TPWD recognized that Lake Livingston has always been a productive and popular White Bass fishery. While White Bass typically grow to only 1-2 lbs. in size, Hybrid-Stripers stocking will increase the quality of the fishery by providing a similar species that can grow in excess of 4 pounds. TPWD, Local Fishing Clubs and Guides, Friends of Lake Livingston, and the Trinity River Authority funded the initial stocking of 2 million fry and 275,00 fingerling in 2024. TRA has committed to supporting the stocking program for the next five years, helping boost fish populations and expand recreational fishing opportunities along Lake Livingston.🎣

The Trinity River Authority of Texas will hold its April Board of Directors Meeting at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 22. The agenda for the meeting is available here: www.trinityra.org/BOD-2026-04-22

The inaugural TRA Lake Livingston Cleanup was an incredible show of what this community can accomplish together.

Thank you to the 130 volunteers who showed up ready to help protect our shared water resources and to clean the shoreline across five cleanup locations in Trinity, Walker, Polk, and San Jacinto Counties. With volunteers representing more than 30 communities across the region and beyond, your time and effort made a real, measurable impact.

We also want to recognize TRA staff for their leadership and coordination in making this event possible.

Together, this group removed more than 8,000 pounds of waste from Lake Livingston and the surrounding shoreline.

We’re also grateful for the partners who helped make this cleanup possible:

Outback Campground and Marina on Lake Livingston- Trinity, TX, Browders 3278 Marina, and On The Lake RV Resort for providing access to cleanup sites and boat ramps.

YMCA Camp Cullen for hosting the volunteer appreciation lunch.

Pro Star Waste for providing dumpsters and waste disposal.

Sam Houston State University for promotion and a large number of students and faculty volunteers.

Polk County Chamber of Commerce Livingston, TX for their assistance in event promotion and support during the planning process.

Keep Texas Beautiful, Houston 2026 World Cup, and Keep Texas Waterways Clean for supplies and support.

And thank you to the many businesses, organizations, and individuals who helped spread the word and support this cleanup.

This inaugural cleanup proved what’s possible when a community comes together. Lake Livingston is cleaner, and our connections are stronger. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to keep Lake Livingston clean!

The Trinity River Authority of Texas, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service-Johnson County, and Joe Pool Lake Watershed Protection Partners invite you to a free day of hands-on learning to protect water quality in the Joe Pool Lake Watershed!

📅 Date: March 24, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Registration at 8:00 AM)
📍 Location: Shepard’s Valley Cowboy Church, 8901 US-67, Alvarado, TX 76009
💲 Cost: Event attendance is free, with breakfast and lunch provided. Well water testing $15 per sample.

Topics Include:
-Private Water Well Education & On-Site Testing
-Feral Hogs in Texas
-W**d & Brush Management on Grazing Land
-Aquatic Vegetation & Pond Management
-Water Quality in Joe Pool Lake

For more information and event registration, please visit tx.ag/LSHSJoePool