Dam Breach near Lake Athens; City under Boil Water Notice

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has ordered a voluntary evacuation following a dam breach at Athens Fish and Game Club Lake near Lake Athens. Officials at the local Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center said they received an automated message from the Sheriff’s Office around 11 a.m. The message stated a voluntary evacuation has been put in place with a 4 mile radius from CR 4913 to 4812 and FM 317 to FM 2495. County Judge Richard Sanders said Fish and Game Lake is a 100-acre private lake that borders CR 317. Authorities are concerned about a small breach on the west end of the dam. “We’re concerned about it raining and concerned it might put extra pressure on the dam, and it could become compromised and it flows into Lake Athens,” said Sanders.

City officials ask residents to shut off electricity to their boat docks. A boil water notice was also issued by the city of Athens. To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and making ice should be boiled and cooled prior to use. The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.