Twin Buttes Reservoir Hits Lowest Water Levels in Five Years

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Twin Buttes Reservoir in San Angelo has reached its lowest water level in at least five years, now sitting at only 18% full, with both the north and south pools combined. 

The reservoir's water levels are currently at 1,906 feet above sea level.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entirety of Tom Green County is classified as "abnormally dry," though it is not currently facing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions.

Historically, low water levels are not unusual for Twin Buttes Reservoir. Created in 1963, the reservoir did not exceed 10% capacity until 1971, following a period of heavy rainfall, as reported by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

"From 1974 to 1977, Twin Buttes was at or near full pool, after which it never reached full pool again," information from the TPWD stated. "Throughout its history, the reservoir has experienced sharp water level rises of greater than 20 vertical feet on five different occasions (1971, 1974, 1986, 2004, and 2018). Conversely, the reservoir has also experienced extended periods of very low water levels; Twin Buttes was below 15% capacity from 1963 to 1974, 1999 to 2004, and again from 2011 to 2018."

This year, the reservoir has seen a steady decline, with water levels dropping roughly two feet since January 1. The lake's north pool is now nearly 30 feet below its 2019 level, which was 1,934 feet above sea level. 

A report from the City of San Angelo shows that in 2019, the Twin Buttes Reservoir was 76% full, this includes both the north and south pool. 

Other Current Lake Level Reports:

• Lake Nasworthy: 91%
• O.C. Fisher: 2%
• O.H. Ivie: 29%
• E.V. Spence: 15%

Many reservoirs in the eastern part of the state are performing well, according to a report on the Water Data for Texas website. Heavy rains have replenished many of the reservoirs that were affected by drought last year, such as Lake Buchanan, which has risen by 11 feet this month alone.