Coastal rice farmers have depended on Colorado River water since before LCRA's creation. But as cities and businesses in the lower Colorado River basin use more firm water, less water from the Highland Lakes will be available for interruptible agricultural customers. In 2007 and 2010, LCRA officially curtailed or limited the amount of water available for agricultural uses, but because of conditions at that time, there was enough water to meet the needs of farmers. In 2012 it is likely LCRA will significantly cut back or cut off water to downstream farmers because of the extreme drought.

Because of the potential for shortages during the current and future droughts, LCRA's customers and Board have asked for options to increase the reliability of water for agricultural customers. LCRA has created a Water Supply Resource Plan for Agriculture that contains a list of options and preliminary cost estimates. The plan, adopted by the Board in June 2011, is part of LCRA's overall Water Supply Resource Plan, which provides a comprehensive water supply plan for all of LCRA's water customers.

Read the Water Supply Resource Plan for Agriculture.