Inks Dam, Gravity dam in Burnet County, United States
Inks Dam is a concrete gravity structure that spans across the Colorado River, impounding water for the Texas Highland Lakes system. Turbines at the site convert the stored water into electricity while maintaining consistent lake levels.
The dam was built between 1936 and 1938 and named after Roy B. Inks, an early leader of the Lower Colorado River Authority. The project was part of a larger effort to provide water and power to central Texas communities.
The dam serves as a vital water source for communities throughout the region that depend on its supplies for daily life. It has created a lake that draws locals for swimming, boating, and outdoor activities along its shores.
The best way to explore the area is to walk around the lake and enjoy views from different vantage points along the shore. There are access areas where you can observe the dam structure and see how water is managed for power generation.
The site is home to a fish hatchery with dozens of production ponds focused on conservation of threatened species. This facility plays a key role in restoring fish populations across the region.
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