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Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
H.R. 716, named the Fill the Lake Act, would direct the Secretary of the Interior to actively manage Flathead Lake’s water level each year from June 15 to September 15. Specifically, the Secretary must maintain Flathead Lake between 2892 feet and 2893 feet above mean sea level (MSL): raising the lake to at least 2892' MSL by drawing water from Hungry Horse Reservoir, and preventing the level from rising above 2893' MSL by releasing any excess downstream. In short, the bill creates a mandated summer “band” for Flathead Lake’s pool level by shifting water between Hungry Horse Reservoir and Flathead Lake.
Key Points
- 1Seasonal pool target: During June 15–September 15, Flathead Lake must be kept between 2892' and 2893' MSL.
- 2Water source and mechanism: If the lake is below 2892' MSL, the Secretary must provide water from Hungry Horse Reservoir to raise it; if the lake threatens to exceed 2893' MSL, excess water must be released downstream to keep it within the range.
- 3Scope of operation: The requirement applies only to the summer window; outside this period, the bill does not specify the mandated levels.
- 4Administrative impact: The Secretary would be tasked with actively coordinating releases and transfers between Hungry Horse Reservoir and Flathead Lake, likely affecting reservoir operations and downstream flows.
- 5Funding and enforcement: The text does not specify funding, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties; implementation would rely on existing agencies and procedures, with no explicit appropriation included in the bill as written.
Impact Areas
Primary group/area affected- Flathead Lake users and nearby communities (recreational users, tourism and local businesses, shoreline property owners, and fisheries) who benefit from predictable summer lake levels.- Upstream and downstream water users, including those relying on Hungry Horse Reservoir operations (e.g., hydroelectric power generation and any irrigation/municipal water uses tied to the reservoir).Secondary group/area affected- Federal agencies and interstate or intrastate water management entities coordinating reservoir operations and water rights (e.g., the Bureau of Reclamation, possibly the Army Corps of Engineers, and state water users).Additional impacts- Environmental and ecological effects: More stable summer lake levels could affect fish habitat, shoreline erosion, and aquatic ecosystems; shifting water between reservoirs may alter flow regimes downstream during the summer.- Economic and regulatory considerations: Could influence recreational economics around Flathead Lake and potential interactions with existing water rights and tribal water interests in the region; no explicit funding or cost-sharing provisions are included.
Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 1, 2025