Bois d’Arc Lake, the first major reservoir in Texas in nearly 30 years, is now filling. The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) began impounding, or capturing, water on the 16,641- acre lake this week.

NTMWD is Terrell’s source for water.

“We are excited to reach this major milestone that brings us one step closer to additional water supplies for the growing population NTMWD serves,” said Rodney Rhoades, NTMWD interim executive director. Bois d’Arc Lake will be a reliable water source for generations, said Rhoades.

The amount of rainfall in the Bois d’Arc Lake watershed will determine how long it will take the lake to fill and be ready for recreation. The entire lake does not need to be filled prior to NTMWD providing water. Based on historical weather patterns, NTMWD expects the reservoir to contain enough water to begin providing treated water to its member cities and customers in 2022.

Construction continues while the lake fills. There is approximately 10-feet of fill remaining before the dam embankment reaches its full 90-foot height. NTMWD expects nearly all construction at the Bois d’Arc Lake dam area to be complete by the end of 2021. Last year, workers completed and opened 11 miles of county and state roads, including 6.2 miles of FM 897 and its accompanying bridge.

Bois d’Arc Lake is located northeast of Bonham in Fannin County. Find more information on the lake at BoisdArcLake.org.