Calaveras Lake (Texas)
| Industry | Energy |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | San Antonio , United States |
| Products | Electricity generation |
| Owner | City of San Antonio |
Calaveras Lake is a reservoir formed on Calaveras Creek, situated approximately 20 miles to the southeast of Downtown San Antonio, Texas, USA. Established in 1969 by constructing a dam on Calaveras Creek, the lake functions primarily as a cooling reservoir for the Calaveras Power Station, contributing to the electricity generation for San Antonio.
The lake is overseen by CPS Energy of San Antonio and, together with the smaller Victor Braunig Lake, was among the pioneering facilities in the United States to utilize treated wastewater for cooling purposes in power plants. A portion of Calaveras Lake’s water comes from wastewater treated via primary and secondary treatment stages by the San Antonio Water System. Beyond its industrial application, the reservoir also provides opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing and boating; however, sailboats are not allowed.
Fish and plant life
To support recreational angling, the lake is stocked with various fish species including red drum, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and largemouth bass.
Recreational uses
The 147-acre public area at Calaveras Lake is managed by Thousand Trails Management Services under a contract with CPS Energy. Visitors can enjoy facilities for camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking.
In popular culture
Calaveras Lake appears in a significant scene from the 1996 movie Courage Under Fire, where Matt Damon’s character discloses vital information pertinent to the main plot investigation.