Dispute Over Marvin Nichols Reservoir Reaches Boiling Point
State water leaders will now have to decide whether the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir, designed to be built in northeast Texas and pump water more than 100 miles back to Dallas-Fort Worth, is an interregional conflict — potentially causing water plans to be altered.
On Tuesday, Region D Water Planning Group chairman Jim Thompson penned a letter officially asking the Texas Water Development Board to declare the inclusion of the reservoir as a conflict and resolve it.
The reservoir is planned to be built in the Sulphur River Basin in portions of Franklin, Red River and Titus counties, where families have lived for generations and where timber, ranch and farming industries operate.
Background of the Dispute
The dispute over the 66,000-acre manmade lake has been ongoing between the northeastern Texas region, where it would be built, and the greater Dallas area, which would receive the water, for at least 20 years.
Despite officials from both regional groups meeting multiple times ahead of the respective 2026 Water Plan drafts being submitted in March, the stalemate hasn’t been resolved. Region C included the reservoir as a recommended strategy while Region D included language vehemently opposing it.
Region D’s stance is that the lake “would have substantial adverse effect” on their area, including economic, agricultural and natural resources, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
Concerns of Region D
“We have also heard from a tremendous number of people that live in our Region, industry and business leaders, community leaders and others regarding the substantial adverse effects this proposed project would have on our Region,” Thompson wrote in the letter. “The amount of opposition from the citizens of Region D to Marvin Nichols Reservoir is simply unexplainable in words.”
Susan Conway wears a shirt opposition to the the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir during a meeting where the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group D voting unanimously to declare the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir an interregional conflict with the Region C Water Planning Group on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Pittsburg, Texas.
(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)
Region C’s Stance
Region C has stood firm that additional water sources, like the reservoir, need to be created for North Texas to meet water demands over the next 50 years.
Next Steps
Now, Texas Water Development Board leaders will have to decide if there is a conflict and try to resolve the issue through mediation or by making their own decision.
If the conflict isn’t resolved early enough before an October deadline, the reservoir may have to be at least temporarily dropped from the plans.
Conclusion
The dispute over the Marvin Nichols Reservoir has been ongoing for years, with both sides presenting strong arguments. The decision by the Texas Water Development Board will have a significant impact on the future of water management in North Texas. It is essential for the board to carefully consider the concerns of both regions and make a decision that balances the needs of all stakeholders.
This reporting is part of the Future of North Texas, a community-funded journalism initiative supported by the Commit Partnership, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, the Dallas Mavericks, the Dallas Regional Chamber, Deedie Rose, the McCune-Losinger Family Fund, The Meadows Foundation, the Perot Foundation, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the University of Texas at Dallas. The News retains full editorial control of this coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marvin Nichols Reservoir?
The Marvin Nichols Reservoir is a proposed 66,000-acre manmade lake to be built in northeast Texas, which would pump water over 100 miles back to Dallas-Fort Worth.
Why is there a dispute over the reservoir?
The dispute is between the northeastern Texas region, where the reservoir would be built, and the greater Dallas area, which would receive the water. Region D opposes the reservoir, citing substantial adverse effects on their area, while Region C believes it is necessary to meet water demands.
What will happen if the conflict is not resolved?
If the conflict isn’t resolved early enough before an October deadline, the reservoir may have to be at least temporarily dropped from the plans.
