Marvin Nichols Reservoir On Hold

January 30, 2026 – The Texas Water Development Board has voted to keep the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir in the state water plan while placing the long-discussed project on hold, a decision that preserves the reservoir as a future option without advancing it toward construction.

Board members approved the action during a recent meeting, signaling that while the project remains part of Texas’ long-term water supply strategy, no immediate planning, funding, or development steps will move forward. The reservoir, proposed for Northeast Texas, has been a source of controversy for years due to concerns over land acquisition, environmental impacts, and opposition from local communities.

By keeping the project in the state water plan, the board allows it to remain eligible for future consideration should water supply needs increase or alternative options prove insufficient. However, placing the project on hold reflects continued uncertainty about its feasibility and public support.

Supporters of the Marvin Nichols Reservoir have argued that the project could provide a significant new water supply for fast-growing areas of North Texas over the coming decades. Critics counter that newer water conservation measures, reuse strategies, and smaller-scale projects could meet demand without the disruption associated with a large reservoir.

Water officials emphasized that the decision does not represent an endorsement or rejection of the project, but rather a pause. The board said it will continue to monitor population growth, water demand, and regional planning efforts before determining whether the Marvin Nichols Reservoir should advance, be revised, or ultimately be removed from the state water plan.