Urban Lakes

Nestled throughout Fort Worth are small lakes that serve as habitats for a variety of aquatic life as well as an aesthetic resource to the community. These “urban lakes” are, on average, a mere 20 acres with an depth of less than 20 ft.

Map of urban lakes in Fort Worth

Water quality

The primary source of water for these urban lakes is runoff from their surrounding watersheds — the areas surrounding the lake that drains toward it — and that creates challenges to managing water quality. Litter, pesticides and household chemicals dumped anywhere in the surrounding watershed often makes their way into the lake.

Residents can help maintain and even improve water quality by following these simple tips:

• Wash your car on grass or at a commercial carwash
• Pick up pet waste from yards, trails, and sidewalks
• Don’t litter or pour anything down a storm drain
• Keep your car well maintained to prevent leaks
• Don’t over use fertilizers and pesticides
• Avoid applying lawn products immediately before a rain
• Take your leftover lawn and garden products and other household hazardous wastes to the Environmental Collection Center.

Lake Guide

1. Como

   Built in 1889 as a recreation resort, Lake Como is 10.1 acres and is located approximately five blocks south of Interstate 30. It drains 743 acres in its watershed.

2. Echo

   16.8-acre Echo Lake was built in 1919 by the International and Great Northern Railroad Company. Echo Lake is located in southeast Fort Worth, two blocks west of Interstate 35W, and drains 632 acres in its watershed.

3. Fosdic

   Built between 1909 and 1912, Fosdic Lake is a 7-acre lake located in east Fort Worth's Oakland Lake Park and drains 262 acres in its watershed.

4. French

   Located in south Fort Worth, French Lake is 3 acres and drains 462 acres in its watershed.

5. Greenbriar

   Located in Greenbriar Park west of Hemphill Street, Greenbriar Lake is a 3-acre lake that drains 914 acres in its watershed.

Fishing Advisories

Note: The City of Fort Worth recommends catch and release fishing at lakes where fishing is allowed.

Bans

• Echo

Consumption Advisories

• Fosdic (more information)

Rescinded Orders

• Como

More Information

Learn more about fishing advisories through the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Department for State Health

Related Links

Fort Worth Area - A TMDL for Legacy Pollutants (TCEQ)

Lake Como - A National Success Story