Skip to main content

Off-channel reservoirs come with problems

Off-channel reservoirs, constructed away from a river's main channel, may be more environmentally friendly in some ways than on-channel reservoirs, but they come with their own problems.

Republish
Lilly pads in Stamford Lake, near Paint Creek, which was dug as a reservoir in the 1950s.
Credit: Caleb Bryant Miller

Off-channel reservoirs, constructed away from a river's main channel, may be more environmentally friendly in some ways than on-channel reservoirs, but they come with their own problems. They may disrupt the flow of the river from which water is being piped to them, and aquatic life such as mussels may be harmed. (Texaslivingwaters.org)

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics