To answer this question, we are given with two equations y = −0.4x^2 + 3x which decribes the parabolic arched water of the lake and -2.2x + 4.9y = 8.18 which models the direction of the beam. To find the distance from the ground, y which the beam first touch that water spray, we get the expression of the first equation in terms of y and substitute to the second equation. x is equal to 0.743 meters y is equal to 2.0 meters. Answer is 2 meters.