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Lakeside residents who want to dredge, clean up debris or repair a retaining wall on Lake Marble Falls will be able to do so during the lake's nine-foot drawdown starting Jan. 5. Residents are reminded, however, that they will need to register to do work covered by a free, lakewide permit before proceeding with repairs.

LCRA plans to draw down Lake Marble Falls for six weeks starting Jan. 5. LCRA officials expect it to take about three days to draw down Lake Marble Falls 9 feet. Refilling the lake will begin Feb. 14 and be completed by Feb. 16 unless an emergency requires LCRA to refill the lake earlier.

The water passed from Lake Marble Falls for the lowering will be stored in Lake Travis to ensure that no extra water is passed downstream of the region’s water supply reservoirs.

LCRA has issued a lakewide permit that offers property owners a simple way to carry out needed work during the drawdown.

However, LCRA does require any new dock construction or repairs to comply with the Safety Standards for Residential Docks on the Highland Lakes. Docks that meet LCRA’s definition of a marina facility may require permits under the Highland Lakes Marina Ordinance. Information about the City of Marble Falls requirements will be included with LCRA’s packet, but residents living along the lake in jurisdictions other than Marble Falls need to check with their local city offices for any permit requirements prior to starting work.

All dredged material must be taken out of the lakebed and relocated to an area above the 738 feet contour for disposal. State regulations do not allow the burning of material in the lakebed.

The lakewide permit will be in effect from Jan. 5 through Feb. 16. The lakewide permit is free, but residents need to register and pick up an information packet before starting work. Residents can pick up permit packets at LCRA’s Marble Falls office at 500 U.S. Highway 281.

New construction of features such as retaining walls, boat ramps or channels is not allowed under the lakewide permit. All projects not covered by the lakewide permit will fall under LCRA’s Dredge and Fill Standards.

Residents who plan to perform maintenance should be prepared to remove materials and equipment on short notice as the dams may be needed to produce electricity at any time as well as the possibility of refilling the lake in the event of a flood.

LCRA officials emphasize that the lake may have to be refilled quickly in a flood or if hydroelectric generating units need to be operated on the upper Highland Lakes or in the event of an emergency.

The nine-foot lowering will put the lake level at about 727.5 feet above mean sea level (msl). Residents are reminded to use additional caution on the water while the lake is down.