Lake Walter E. Long
Lake Walter E. Long (also known as Decker Lake)[1] is a power plant cooling reservoir on Decker Creek in Austin, Texas. The reservoir was officially impounded in 1967 and serves to provide water for turbines used in the production of electricity from petroleum-based fuels. The dam and the lake are managed by the City of Austin. Surrounding Lake Walter E. Long is the city of Austin's Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, a popular recreational destination.
Lake Walter E. Long | |
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![]() U.S. soldiers and various state personnel conducting airborne and water rescue drills in 2012 | |
![]() ![]() Lake Walter E. Long ![]() ![]() Lake Walter E. Long | |
Location | Austin, Texas |
Coordinates | 30°17.11′N 97°35.77′W |
Type | Power plant cooling reservoir |
Primary inflows | Decker Creek |
Primary outflows | Decker Creek |
Basin countries | United States |
Managing agency | City of Austin |
Built | 1967 |
Surface area | 1,269 acres (514 ha)[1] |
Max. depth | 60 ft (18 m) |
Surface elevation | 555 ft (169 m) |
Flora and fauna
Lake Walter E. Long has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Walter E. Long include catfish, largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, and sunfish. Plant species present in the lake water include hydrilla, pondweed, bulrush, waterstar grass, American lotus, coontail, and southern naiad.
Recreational uses
Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is open for daytime recreational use. Boating and fishing are the most popular recreational uses of the lake.
References
- "Walter E. Long Lake". Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Retrieved 11 May 2015.