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If you think Lake Travis and its sister reservoir, Lake Buchanan, look about half full, you’re just about right. As of early December, the two reservoirs were about 52 percent full – the result of a drought that has affected much of Texas for more than a year and a half. Low levels at Travis and Buchanan may be a little jarring to residents and visitors who have been accustomed to full lakes. The fact is, the lower Colorado River basin enjoyed a run of good rains that kept the two lakes at or near full elevations from late 2000 into early 2005, about the time we entered our current drought. Needed: heavy rains in Hill Country Just as rains kept the lakes filled, it will take rains to refill them – specifically, heavy rains throughout the Hill Country that will saturate the ground and send runoff into the lakes. While the Hill Country has received some rains during the current drought, they’ve not been enough to turn into runoff. As a result, the Highland Lakes have received only about a fourth of the runoff they typically receive. That could change if the return of an El Niño weather pattern could result in above-average rains through early spring, as the latest long-range weather forecasts are predicting. LCRA has a plan for managing the lakes during drought Droughts are nothing new to the lower Colorado River basin. They were a major reason why LCRA developed its two major reservoirs, Travis and Buchanan, so that the basin would have a reliable water supply, especially during droughts. The two lakes are the primary source of drinking water for Austin and other communities. The lakes also provide water for industrial, agricultural and environmental uses throughout the lower basin. LCRA manages the lakes through a state-approved Water Management Plan to ensure that the communities and other water users receive adequate supplies, even during droughts. LCRA encourages area residents to use water wisely. Residents can check out the Water IQ program for helpful water-saving tips.
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The drought continues to lower lake levels.
Lake Travis is at a 42-year low for
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