LCRA still advises caution on Highland Lakes
Lake visitors should be aware of bacteria risk, avoid debris after recent flooding
July 24, 2025
AUSTIN, Texas – As the amount of debris in the Highland Lakes from recent flooding continues to decrease, the Lower Colorado River Authority is urging visitors to continue to exercise caution and take extra care on the lakes.
LCRA is recommending people stay off the lakes at night to avoid contact with debris.
Though bacteria levels typically decline in the weeks after a flood, LCRA wants swimmers to understand that bacteria still can be present in the lakes and that swimmers should be selective in choosing where to swim. Bacteria typically persist longer in coves than in the main body of the lakes, as coves generally have less circulation and accumulate debris.
“There is always a chance of encountering bacteria in lakes, including the Highland Lakes, and that chance significantly increases in the weeks after a flood,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water. “If the water is cloudy or murky, swim somewhere else. If there is debris in the area, go somewhere else. And if the water is stagnant, keep going. Find a place with clear water before you think seriously about going swimming.”
Risks related to the recent flooding continue even weeks after the rain has ended.
“The flood debris is settling, but we still are seeing debris both on the surface and below the surface in every lake,” Hofmann said. “In addition to taking extra care when boating and swimming, we encourage people to limit their boating to daytime and to keep safety top of mind.”
LCRA also recommends visitors to the Highland Lakes:
- Avoid cloudy, smelly or murky water, as well as any area with flood debris or stirred up sediment, as bacteria tend to congregate there.
- Never swim alone and always wear a life jacket when on the water.
- Be aware the lakes are deep and have uneven bottoms. Under current conditions, parts of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis are more than 100 feet deep.
- Understand that flows in the lakes can be sudden and strong.
Since July 4, Lake Buchanan has risen more than 17 feet, and Lake Travis has come up more than 38 feet. Combined storage of lakes Buchanan and Travis, the two water supply reservoirs in the Highland Lakes, has risen from 51% to more than 95% of capacity.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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