September 2026

Industry Win: Lake Ralph Hall is the Best Project of the Year

The Lake Ralph Hall Pipeline, Balancing Reservoir and Delivery Point Construction Manager at Risk was recently awarded Texas Southeast Region Best Project of the Year (Water/Environment) by Engineering News-Record.

“Upper Trinity is pleased to be recognized for this award. Thanks to everyone on the team, including Garney Construction for their commitment to excellence on building these critical water infrastructure components," said Larry Patterson, Executive Director, Upper Trinity Regional Water District.

Each year, ENR honors outstanding achievements in design and construction across Texas and the Southeast. Independent juries of regional industry leaders chose Lake Ralph Hall from nominees across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi. Honorees will be recognized this fall at a ceremony in Houston.

Lake Ralph Hall recently won ENR's Texas Southeast Region Best Project of the Year (Water/Environment).

Progress Runs Deep: Watch What’s New with Lake Ralph Hall

Construction of Lake Ralph Hall and project components to enable water delivery are nearing completion. The pump station and new pipeline connecting to Upper Trinity’s existing system are finished. Work continues on the lake’s future recreational amenities and other facilities. Construction is on track for early 2028.

Earlier this summer, construction of the Leon Hurse Dam and Spillway progressed far enough to begin inundation of Lake Ralph Hall. Did you know 5 million cubic yards of dirt were placed to create the dam? That’s enough to fill the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium 1.3 times. 

Watch our latest progress video for a look at the latest developments. They include fish stocking and work to prepare for other recreational opportunities once the lake is full (estimated three to five years depending on rainfall). 

View the latest progress on Lake Ralph Hall.

Balancing Reservoir Tested and Full

Another major milestone was recently achieved with the successful testing of the balancing reservoir. 

Located about 27 miles from the lake, it separates two sections of pipeline from the lake: one where water is pumped and another section where water flows by gravity. Once water is piped to the balancing reservoir, gravity takes over and transports the water to the Chapman Lake Pipeline and eventually to the water treatment plant.

With testing complete, final preparations continue to start delivery of a limited amount of water in late 2026.

The completed balancing reservoir, located about 27 miles from the lake.