|
|
 |
Frequently asked questions about LCRA
|
 |
Got a question about LCRA or its operations? Chances are we may have the information you need in one of these frequently asked questions, sorted by subject area. If you can't find your answer here, check our recent Ask LCRA columns. Or send an e-mail to Ask LCRA.
Electricity
Can I buy electricity from LCRA?
Where does LCRA get the power it sells to co-ops and cities in Central Texas?
How is electricity produced?
How does the electricity produced by LCRA get to my home?
How can I save energy?
I need information about the electric prices that LCRA charges my local electric utility.
I need information about a particular transmission project.
The Highland Lakes
What are the Highland Lakes?
Who paid for the dams and lakes?
Why did LCRA build the dams?
How much water is in the lakes?
Who owns the water in the lakes?
Who owns the land around the lakes?
Who is in charge of the lakes?
I have a question or comment about recreational activities on Lake Austin or Lady Bird Lake.
Where can I find information about historical lake elevations for the Highland Lakes?
When does LCRA plan to lower Lake LBJ?
When will LCRA lower Lake Austin again?
Where can I find maps of Lake Travis or the other Highland Lakes?
What's the difference between the "head" and "tail" elevation readings at a dam?
What do I need to do to build a dock on my waterfront property?
Does LCRA maintain any of the Highland Lakes at a constant level?
Are tours of the dams available to the general public?
Water supply and utilities
Who uses water from the lakes?
Can anyone take water from the lakes?
How does LCRA decide who gets to use the water?
Can't LCRA keep water in the lakes instead of releasing it for rice farming?
Why were rice farmers granted first rights to water from the lakes?
Do I need a permit or contract to pump water from the Colorado River or Highland Lakes for my waterfront house or ranch?
Does LCRA serve my neighborhood?
I have a question about or problem with my LCRA water-utility service or bill.
Floods and droughts
What is the "Drought of Record"?
Aren't the dams supposed to prevent floods?
What is the difference between a floodplain and a flood pool?
Who sets the boundaries of the floodplains around the lakes?
Who regulates development in the floodplain?
What is a 100-year flood?
Who will notify me of severe weather that could cause a flood?
Do I need flood insurance?
I need information about proposed changes to the Lake Travis floodplain.
I have a question or comment about floodplains in my community or neighborhood.
Recreation on the Highland Lakes
What rules are in place for boats and other watercraft on the lakes?
How can I learn more about boating safety and the rules?
Whom do I call to report an accident, a crime or suspicious activities?
Who are the LCRA Rangers, and what authority do they have?
What can I do to keep the lakes safer?
How many parks does LCRA have?
I need to check on a reservation or conditions at an LCRA park.
Job opportunities at LCRA
I would like to apply for a job at LCRA.
I need help posting my application.
Electricity
Can I buy electricity from LCRA?
Not directly. LCRA sells the electric power it produces to electric cooperatives and city-owned utilities in Central Texas. Currently, 43 publicly owned utilities sell LCRA power to the consumers they serve. See LCRA's wholesale electric customers.
Where does LCRA get the power it sells to co-ops and cities in Central Texas?
LCRA generates electricity at a coal-fired power plant (Fayette Power Project in Fayette County), two natural gas-fired plants (Thomas C. Ferguson at Marble Falls, Sim Gideon at Bastrop), and one combined-cycle gas-fired plant (Lost Pines 1 Power Project at Bastrop). LCRA also generates hydroelectric power at its Highland Lakes dams — Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke, Mansfield and Tom Miller — and purchases wind power from three West Texas wind projects. See powering Central Texas.
How is electricity produced?
At gas- and coal-fired plants, fuel is used to produce steam. The steam turns a turbine and creates a magnetic field, which in turn produces electric energy. At hydroelectric facilities, the force of water turns a similar turbine. At wind farms, the windmills themselves serve as turbines.
How does the electricity produced by LCRA get to my home?
Electricity is carried from power plants through a transmission system that includes a series of wires and substations where voltage is increased for more efficient delivery. Eventually, the electricity reaches your utility's distribution system, which carries the energy to your home. See how does electricity get to your home?
How can I save energy?
For information on energy efficiency, go to energy conservation.
I need information about the electric prices that LCRA charges my local electric utility.
For competitive reasons, billing information between LCRA and its wholesale customers is considered confidential. Also, each wholesale customer sets its own rates and billing practices. Contact your local utility for any questions you have have about your electric bill. Check our list of wholesale customers if you need contact information for your local utility.
I need information about a particular transmission project.
Check the transmission projects page for information about major projects. If you need additional information about a project, call 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 6270, or e-mail transmission.
|
Highland Lakes
What are the Highland Lakes?
LCRA created this chain of reservoirs on the Colorado River northwest of Austin from 1935 to 1951 to provide a stable water supply for the basin, protect Austin and downstream communities from the worst effects of Hill Country floods, and generate hydroelectric power. The two largest reservoirs, Lakes Buchanan and Travis, store and supply water to meet household, agricultural, industrial and environmental needs throughout the basin. Lake Travis is also designed with extra capacity to hold floodwaters from Hill Country storms. The four smaller lakes pass through releases from Buchanan and Travis for downstream use.
Who paid for the dams and lakes?
LCRA has no taxing authority. To build the dams and lakes, LCRA borrowed money from the federal government, then repaid the loans with revenues from its sales of electricity and water. The Highland Lakes generate revenue through sales of water and hydroelectricity, and this money is used to operate and maintain the dams, hydrogeneration units and lakes. See the history of LCRA.
Why did LCRA build the dams?
Continuing cycles of flood and drought devastated property and inhibited the growth of Austin and other communities along the river. LCRA wasn't the first to try to harness the river to control floods and generate low-cost, reliable electricity. But earlier attempts to build dams that would withstand flooding failed, time and again. LCRA was the first with sufficient funding, legal authority, engineering skill, and political and community support to build a system of dams strong enough to last.
How much water is in the lakes?
When lakes Travis and Buchanan are full, the Highland Lakes can hold nearly 2.3 million acre-feet of water. (An acre-foot equals about 326,000 gallons, enough water to supply an average suburban family of five for 18 months.) But Travis and Buchanan usually are not full. Depending on rainfall and water use, the amount of water stored in them can drop significantly in just a few months. Lakes Travis and Buchanan can fill up in a matter of hours or days during a flood. The pass-through lakes fluctuate, too, typically moving up and down slightly from one day to the next.
Who owns the water in the lakes?
The State of Texas. LCRA manages the water for the people of Texas. The state issues water rights that allow the holder to use a specific amount of water each year from the river and lakes. LCRA holds the largest block of water rights in the Colorado River basin.
Who owns the land around the lakes?
Most of the shoreline around the Highland Lakes is privately owned. LCRA owns 19 parks and recreation areas that occupy about 7,550 acres of land around the lakes, primarily Lake Travis.
Who is in charge of the lakes?
LCRA manages the Highland Lakes and the lower Colorado River and operates the lakes to manage water supplies and floods. LCRA also manages recreational activities on the lakes (with the exception of Lake Austin, which is managed by the City of Austin because it is in the city's boundaries).
I have a question or comment about recreational activities on Lake Austin or Lady Bird Lake.
The City of Austin has jurisdiction over these two lakes and sets any regulations or restrictions affecting recreation on these lakes. You can e-mail the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, or call the department at (512) 974-6700.
Where can I find information about historical lake elevations for the Highland Lakes?
Check the historical lake levels page and download a spreadsheet for any of the Highland Lakes. Each spreadsheet contains minimum, maximum and average elevations for each month since LCRA began operating the lake.
When does LCRA plan to lower Lake LBJ?
The earliest that LCRA might lower Lake LBJ for nonemergency reasons would be sometime in 2009. The last such lowering was in 2005, and LCRA guidelines allow such lowerings for Inks Lake and lakes LBJ and Marble Falls every four years. At this time LCRA has not set a date for lowering Lake LBJ. When LCRA sets a schedule, LCRA will announce the lowering on its Web site and through local news media.
When will LCRA lower Lake Austin again?
LCRA lowers Lake Austin at the request of the City of Austin, which has jurisdiction over the lake. Typically, the city requests the lowering to help control the growth of aquatic nuisance plants, including hydrilla, in the lake. The lowerings are not on an automatic schedule but are determined by LCRA and the city on a year-to-year basis. Once LCRA and Austin agree to a schedule, LCRA will announce the lowering on its Web site and through local news media.
Where can I find maps of Lake Travis or the other Highland Lakes?
MAPSCO publishes a variety of maps of the upper Highland Lakes that are available at lake-area stores and marinas, or through MAPSCO’s Web site.
What’s the difference between the “head” and “tail” elevation readings at a dam?
The “head” is the elevation of the water that is impounded behind a dam, and the “tail” is the water’s elevation in front of the dam. These two readings are elevations of two different lakes. At Mansfield Dam, for example, the “head” is the elevation of Lake Travis at the dam, while the “tail” reading reflects the elevation of Lake Austin in front of the dam. All readings are measured in feet above mean sea level.
What do I need to do to build a dock on my waterfront property?
Owning lakefront property does not automatically entitle you to build a dock or other floating structures. You need to verify that you own the land that is submerged under the water. (This is possible, given the way in which some lands along the Highland Lakes have been subdivided and sold or resold.) If you’re not sure of the ownership, you can check with the property deeds filed with the county tax office. If the submerged land is owned by someone else, then you’ll need to get the landowner’s permission. Assuming the ownership issues are resolved, then you’ll need to work with LCRA to ensure your dock meets safety standards. Check LCRA's boat dock standards for more information.
Does LCRA maintain any of the Highland Lakes at a constant level?
None of the Highland Lakes are “constant level.” All of the lakes fluctuate in elevation – especially lakes Travis and Buchanan, which are LCRA’s water-supply reservoirs.
Are tours of the dams available to the general public?
At this time, LCRA is not scheduling public tours of the dams.
|
Water supply and utilities
Who uses water from the lakes?
Water stored in Lake Travis is released for cities, industries, power plants, farms, ranches and the Southeast Texas rice industry, a major economic resource in the region. The releases also maintain the flow of the lower Colorado River to support ecological systems in the river and in Matagorda Bay.
Can anyone take water from the lakes?
No. It's against the law to take water from the lakes without a water right permit or a contract with LCRA. The use of water from the lakes is highly regulated because the stored water in the lakes has been permitted to LCRA by the state.
How does LCRA decide who gets to use the water?
The state requires LCRA to supply water for beneficial uses, including municipal drinking water, industrial operations and agricultural irrigation. The state has listed water uses in order of importance to determine which uses come first. According to LCRA's Water Management Plan, LCRA must curtail water releases for lower-priority uses when water supplies in the lakes fall below a specific level.
Can't LCRA keep water in the lakes instead of releasing it for rice farming?
No. According to Texas water law, first in time is first in right. Downstream rice farmers were given the first water rights in the Colorado basin, and these rights are senior to LCRA's water rights for the Highland Lakes. These rights include some of the water that flows into the Highland Lakes. LCRA must pass through that water to comply with those rights.
If farmers need additional water, they may buy it from LCRA if it is available. Four irrigation operations in the coastal plains have first priority for what is called "interruptible stored water" in the Highland Lakes. However, LCRA recognizes the importance of recreation and tourism for the Highland Lakes region in its Water Management Plan by limiting the sale of interruptible stored water to other downstream users.
Why were rice farmers granted first rights to water from the lakes?
The downstream rice farmers had been using the waters of the Colorado River for more than 40 years before the Highland Lakes were created. Rice farmers were among the strongest supporters of building the Highland Lakes dams in the 1930s because they recognized the value of the dams in easing flooding and making water available during droughts. Without the support of the rice farmers, LCRA and the Highland Lakes and dams might never have been built.
Do I need a permit or contract to pump water from the Colorado River or Highland Lakes for my waterfront house or ranch?
If your property is on the Highland Lakes, you will need a Domestic Use Water Agreement. You can find more information about this agreement in the "Resources" column on the LCRA water contracts page. If you live along the Colorado River, you need to check with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to see if you need a permit to draw water from the river. You may still need a contract from LCRA if your water needs need to be met through releases from the Highland Lakes. For more information or to obtain an application packet, please contact LCRA Water Contracts.
Does LCRA serve my neighborhood?
Check the list of LCRA Water and wastewater utility systems; each utility links to a map showing the utility’s service area. If you're still not sure, contact LCRA Water and Wastewater Utilities.
I have a question about or problem with my LCRA water-utility service or bill.
Check LCRA's residential water utilities for information on how to contact a customer service representative by phone or e-mail.
|
Floods and droughts
What is the "Drought of Record"?
The Drought of Record refers to the decade-long drought that affected Central Texas from the late 1940s through the late 1950s. No other drought in history was as severe or as long. LCRA's Water Management Plan uses this drought as the basis for setting lake storage amounts that serve as "trigger points" for the drought management plan. When the amount of water stored in lakes Buchanan and Travis falls to a combined total of 1.1 million acre-feet, LCRA begins curtailing interruptible water customers. Typically, the levels of the lakes at that storage amount would be about 1,001 feet above mean sea level for Lake Buchanan and about 645 feet above mean sea level for Lake Travis.
Aren't the dams supposed to prevent floods?
The dams can moderate the worst effects of floodwaters, but they cannot totally prevent floods. If you live in a designated floodplain along the Highland Lakes or Colorado River, you are at risk for flooding. See flood management.
What is the difference between a floodplain and a flood pool?
All of the Highland Lakes, the lower Colorado River and its tributaries, have floodplains, which are areas of land that are at risk for flooding. Lake Travis also has a flood pool, which is the area of the lake above elevation 681 feet that is used to store floodwaters.
Who sets the boundaries of the floodplains around the lakes?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, working with local governments, sets the 100-year floodplain boundaries through flood insurance rate studies.
Separate studies are done for individual communities, so floodplain levels can vary depending on an area's geographical and hydrological characteristics. LCRA's dam operating procedures also play a role in determining floodplains. If you want information about your property, contact your city or county floodplain administrator. Or visit FEMA's Web site for information on floodplain maps for your area.
Who regulates development in the floodplain?
City and county governments regulate development in their jurisdictions. LCRA does not regulate development in the floodplain. Because of the hazards of living in a floodplain, there may be local restrictions on new construction and repairs or improvements to existing homes in these areas.
What is a 100-year flood?
The term refers to the magnitude of flooding that has one chance in 100 of being equalled or exceeded in any one-year period. It does not refer to a flood that occurs every 100 years. There are many levels of floods: 500-year, 100-year, 20-year, and 10-year levels, for example. These numbers indicate the likelihood of your property flooding in a year's time. For example, if you live in the 20-year floodplain, there is a one in 20 (5 percent) chance every year that your property could be flooded. That percentage holds true every year, regardless of how many floods have occurred in previous years.
Who will notify me of severe weather that could cause a flood?
If you live on waterfront property or in a floodplain, you need to take the responsibility to keep yourself informed on weather and flood conditions. The best method is to buy and use a weather radio, which can be purchased at many stores that sell electronic appliances.
Local broadcasts of NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards now cover the Highland Lakes and lower Colorado River basin, thanks to a partnership between LCRA and the National Weather Service. If the National Weather Service issues a severe weather or flood warning for your area, it will trigger an alarm on your weather radio, followed immediately by emergency information.
Do I need flood insurance?
LCRA recommends that you buy separate flood insurance if you live in any floodplain elevation up to the 500-year floodplain. Remember, being flooded once doesn't lower your chances of being flooded from year to year. If your property floods one year, it's just as likely to happen again the next year.
I need information about proposed changes to the Lake Travis floodplain.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted as the new Lake Travis floodplain elevation 722 feet above mean sea level (msl), 6 feet above the current elevation of 716 feet msl. The 722 elevation is scheduled to go into effect June 17, 2008. If you need more information, check with the floodplain administrator for Travis County or your local community, as listed on the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) Web site. You can also check the TCRFC Web site for updates. LCRA does not set or revise floodplains. FEMA is working with local communities to review and revise floodplains throughout the lower Colorado River basin.
I have a question or comment about floodplains in my community or neighborhood.
Check with the floodplain administrator for your local county or community, as listed on the Texas Colorado River Floodplain Coalition (TCRFC) Web site. You can also check the TCRFC Web site for updates. LCRA does not set or revise floodplains. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working with local communities to review and revise floodplains throughout the lower Colorado River basin.
|
Recreation on the Highland Lakes
What rules are in place for boats and other watercraft on the lakes?
Boating and recreation laws and regulations have been adopted by the Texas Legislature and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. LCRA's Rangers and state, county and city law enforcement officers patrol the lakes and enforce these laws and rules. LCRA also implemented guidelines to control noise and other problems resulting from recreational activities on the lakes.
How can I learn more about boating safety and the rules?
LCRA offers safety classes to help boaters improve their skills and knowledge of boating laws. See the calendar for boating safety classes. In addition to earning a safe-boating certificate, class participants can lower their insurance rates. Most boat insurance companies offer lower rates to boaters who successfully complete the course.
Whom do I call to report an accident, a crime or suspicious activities?
If you are involved in an accident or witness an accident or a crime, call 911. If you're concerned about improving safety in your neighborhood, LCRA has helped communities establish a Lake Watch program modeled after the popular Neighborhood Watch program. Check the Web page to learn more about the program.
Who are the LCRA Rangers, and what authority do they have?
LCRA Rangers are licensed peace officers who have rescued hundreds of people during floods, tornadoes, and auto and boat accidents. They also have provided medical and law enforcement assistance to other agencies. The Rangers provide emergency response and rescue; emergency planning, training, and coordination; park, marine and environmental law enforcement; boating safety classes; neighborhood Lake Watch programs; training for other law enforcement agencies; community support during special events and emergencies; and LCRA facility and employee security. Learn more about LCRA's Public Safety operations.
What can I do to keep the lakes safer?
Use common sense when out on the lakes. Traveling at a high rate of speed may be OK on a day when there is little traffic, but it's probably not safe on a holiday weekend when lake traffic is high or at night when visibility is poor. Pay attention to what's going on around you. Report unsafe activities to lake patrol officers. Don't drink while operating any watercraft. And make sure you have enough life vests on board for everyone in the boat. See water recreation and safety.
How many parks does LCRA have?
LCRA owns or operates 40 parks and recreation areas from the Texas Hill Country to Matagorda Bay. Nineteen parks and recreation areas are located around the Highland Lakes — 14 of them on Lake Travis. Some parks have camping and RV facilities, while others are mostly undeveloped. All of the parks have lake access, and several provide public boat ramps. Travis County operates seven of the Lake Travis parks.
I need to check on a reservation or conditions at an LCRA park.
Call Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which handles reservations at LCRA parks, at (512) 389-8900 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
|
|
|
