Residents of Wichita Falls, Texas, may soon see water flowing again at the city’s iconic artificial waterfall, as workers spent Thursday clearing out debris to restore its operation.
Why Were the Falls Turned Off?
The artificial falls, located just off Central Freeway near Riverside Cemetery, rely on water from the Wichita River. However, due to low river levels, along with a buildup of debris and silt clogging the intake, the falls had to be shut off.
City spokesperson Chris Horgen explained that teams from public works and parks departments were working together to remove the accumulated muck and restore water flow.
Efforts to Restore the Falls
- Workers spent the day clearing debris and silt from the water intake.
- A section of the Circle Trail near the falls was temporarily closed to allow maintenance crews to complete the work safely.
A Brief History of Wichita Falls’ Waterfall
While Wichita Falls is named after a waterfall, the original falls were washed away in a flood in 1886. In 1986, the city built the artificial falls at a location visible from the highway, ensuring that visitors and residents could once again experience the city’s namesake.
Now, with restoration efforts underway, residents can look forward to the return of flowing water at Wichita Falls’ well-known landmark.