As we kick off a new year, it feels fitting to spotlight an exciting new project, albeit on an old structure built for irrigation purposes—the Otilla Dam.
In 2015, the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) acquired the 351-acre Trueheart Ranch property in southern Bexar County on the San Antonio River. Trueheart Ranch is directly adjacent to the river, and across the river is a large property that the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) owns with a sparingly used water treatment plant. SAWS acquired the property when it absorbed Bexar Metropolitan Water District, which also included the Otilla Dam. This dam was built on the San Antonio River in 1911 to irrigate adjacent pecan orchards but has since deteriorated and needs major repairs. It is also a significant barrier to fish and river recreation passage.
Otilla Dam — Photo Credit: Christopher Lee, San Antonio Express News
When we opened the Trueheart Ranch Nature Park to the public in 2023, we were already looking for ways to increase the amenities in the park and the Otilla Dam seemed like a prime opportunity. I am pleased to say that in the last year we negotiated a good deal for both the River Authority and SAWS, and we finalized the agreement for our agency to assume ownership of the dam in November. During 2024, the River Authority was also successful in securing a $1M grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to remove or modify the dam to support fish passage.
The River Authority is now starting the design process to repair and rehabilitate the dam while adding a kayak chute and fish ladder. Once complete, this dam modification will reconnect 30 miles of river and not only improve habitat up and downstream but also allow for additional recreational opportunities. We intend to complete the design of the altered dam structure in 2025, while also making necessary short-term repairs. The bigger goal is to complete the dam restructuring in 2026.
An artistic rendering of what Otilla Dam could look like with an added kayak chute/fish ladder.
Special thanks to the River Authority staff who saw the potential in this project and made it possible, as well as our partners at SAWS. We look forward to sharing updates as this project progresses and can’t wait to see the benefits it brings to our community and natural environment.
Happy New Year!
Derek
