It was officially impounded in 1967 and provides cooling water for a power plant that produces electricity from petroleum-based fuels.

Plant species present in the lake water include hydrilla, pondweed, bulrush, waterstar grass, American lotus, coontail, and southern naiad.

The Louis René Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary, situated along the north shore of the lake, is managed by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department and serves as the center of an initiative to restore the Blackland Prairie within the preserve.

While the sanctuary is not open to the public, it is accessible through guided tours.

Lake Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is open for daytime recreational use.