Q: Do you have an estimate of the rainfall necessary to return Lake Travis to normal water levels?

A: We can’t estimate an amount because so many factors are involved. The best answer is that it would take heavy, widespread rainfall in a short period of time in the Hill Country before Lake Travis would begin to go back up. One factor is the prolonged drought, which has dried out the land in our basin. We would need several inches of rain just to saturate the land. Any additional rains would begin to generate the runoff that would put more water into Lake Travis.

Q: Is there a timetable for daily water releases from the dams and, if so, where can I get it online?

A: Check LCRA’s daily River Report. Look for the “Release Schedule” section. Note that there will be no firm start and end times for releases due to various factors that LCRA has to consider in scheduling releases. “Yesterday’s” schedule, which shows release times for the previous day, can provide some guidance as to when LCRA may make releases today, but it’s not a guarantee.

Q: I heard that I can be notified when LCRA is going to open floodgates. How do I sign up?

A. You’re referring to LCRA’s Floodgate Operations Notification Service, which notifies certain eligible residents and property owners of anticipated floodgate operations that may cause higher, faster water flows. You can specify how you want to be notified: by e-mail, land line and/or cell phone. Link to the page on the LCRA Web site that explains more about the program. If you determine that you are eligible for the program, you can apply online.

Have a question about LCRA or its operations, facilities and programs? E-mail your question to ASKLCRA@lcra.org.