TRWD has updated its General Ordinance, increasing the required distance for certain watercraft operations from 100 feet to 200 feet. This change goes beyond the State of Texas requirement of 50 feet, and is designed to enhance safety for all lake users.
This new addition to the General Ordinance includes Lake Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain Lake, Cedar Creek Lake and Richland-Chambers Lake.
The updated rule applies to any watercraft traveling at greater than “headway speed”. Headway speed is defined as the slowest speed at which a vessel can maintain steerage and forward progress. This is essentially an idle speed that produces little to no wake.
Under the new regulation, watercraft operating above headway speed must remain at least 200 feet from shorelines, docks, and other vessels. This expanded buffer helps reduce the risk of collisions, mitigates hazardous wakes near structures and swimmers, and helps limit shoreline erosion, enhancing overall safety along the water’s edge.
Boaters are expected to maintain situational awareness, operate at safe speeds, and allow adequate clearance on all TRWD reservoirs. These updates reinforce TRWD’s commitment to public safety, infrastructure protection, and responsible water use.
Under the new regulation, watercraft operating above headway speed may not come within 200 feet of the shoreline, docks, or other vessels. This expanded buffer zone helps reduce the risk of collisions, limits dangerous wakes near structures and swimmers, and creates a safer environment for recreational activities along the water’s edge.
For more information on boating regulations and safety guidelines, visit WWW.TRWD.COM/LED or www.wakeresponsibly.com.
