The lower Colorado River is our region’s largest source of water, supporting people, farmers, industries and the environmental health of the river and Matagorda Bay.

This wasn’t always the case. The basin is prone to a cycle of floods followed by drought. River flows were erratic until the 1930s, when LCRA began building the Highland Lakes to store water and to protect the region from floods. (1) Even today, the region’s erratic weather trends can cause the lakes to noticeably rise or fall from one year to the next. (2)

When the lakes are full, there’s plenty of water for everyone. But in a severe drought equal to the drought of record, there may not be enough water to meet all needs. (3) LCRA is one of several entities in the region that have state-issued rights to use water from the river and lakes.

LCRA sells two types of water.

• Firm water is available even in a severe drought. Cities, industries and electric power plants need firm water.
• Interruptible water may not be available during a drought and is used mostly by agriculture.

Fall 2006 in Central Texas has been marked by an extreme drought. A state approved water management plan requires LCRA to curtail, or ration, interruptible water in a drought so that firm water needs can be met. In mid-November Lake Travis was 52 percent full and Lake Buchanan was 54 percent full. (4)

If the drought continues, interruptible water will not be available in 2007, other than for customers of four irrigation divisions. Water for irrigation division customers will be curtailed, or limited, but most likely will be enough to serve the amount of acreage planned in 2007.

A dependable supply of water is vital for economic growth and prosperity in the lower Colorado River basin. Over time, as growing cities use more firm water in the future, less water will be available for agriculture unless other water supply alternatives can be developed.

LCRA and San Antonio Water System are studying a proposal to help meet future water needs in the lower Colorado River basin and the San Antonio area. The water planning groups for both regions have included the proposal in their long-term plans.

WHO DEPENDS ON WATER FROM THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER?

• Residents of Austin and other cities.
• Farmers with crops such as peanuts, pecans and rice.
• Industrial companies and power plants.
• Shrimping and fishing operations at Matagorda Bay.
• Recreation-based businesses at the Highland Lakes.
• Aquatic habitat and other wildlife in the basin.

1. The History of LCRA and Timeline.
2. Historical Lake Levels.
3. What Happens in a Drought?
4. Daily River Report.