Water Level
|
632.86 ft
updated 9:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Water usage regulations may become stricter, UT unaffected
Posted: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:51 PM - 10,345 Readers
By: Allie Kolechta
The city may have to resort to water conservation measures intended for catastrophes if Central Texas’ drought continues, but UT will still be responsible for managing its own water usage. City Council announced at a special work session Tuesday morning that the city is considering the possibility of stage three water restrictions beginning this spring if the drought continues to get worse, said Jason Hill, spokesman for Austin Water. “We want to meet basically the demands of what an extreme and extended drought would call for,” Hill said. “In the books [stage three restrictions were] set up for some sort of catastrophic thing with the water supply, so we have to look at how it can be customized to protect and maintain our water supply during the slow process of this drought.” UT doesn’t have to follow city water restrictions, Hill said. He said under stage three restrictions, no one in the city is allowed to water lawns or other landscaping. The city of Austin went into stage two water restrictions on Sep. 6 after water levels of Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis fell below the 900,000-acre mark, he said. “I’m not a meteorologist, but we’re still in a drought,” he said. “We haven’t had any significant improvement.” The University purchases between 7 and 8 million gallons of water each year from the city and is one of the top ten water consumers in Austin, said Leonard Friesenhahn, associate director for mechanical distribution for UT’s Utilities & Energy Management division. The University takes domestic water and drinking water from the city and returns wastewater back to them, he said. The most recent data on UT’s total water usage is from the 2009-10 school year, when the University used about 512.7 million gallons, said Laurie Lentz, spokeswoman for UT’s facility services. According to facility services numbers, Central Texas last experienced a major drought during the 2006-07 school year, when water usage dropped to 427,502 gallons. Turning off the fountains saves an estimated 300,000 gallons per month, updating automatic campus irrigation systems saves an estimated 49 million gallons per year and the 2008 renovations to campus plumbing are saving an estimated 16 million gallons per year, she said. The University is making efforts to conserve water by watering campus landscape zones only one day a week, turning off the Littlefield and LBJ fountains and installing xeriscapes, which consist of more drought resistant plants than the University’s traditional landscapes, Lentz said. “We don’t have to abide by the city of Austin ordinances, but we typically do try to support them,” she said. The exception to these water cutbacks is the University’s 4,500 trees, which are worth $25 million and remain under constant drip irrigation, Lentz said. “We’re trying to use water only where water is needed,” Lentz said. “Not watering the sidewalks, things like that.”
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,721 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,415 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,368 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,513 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,524 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,880 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,657 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,897 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,647 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,174 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,779 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,787 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,322 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,216 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
32,024 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,740 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
30,002 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,566 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,800 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,490 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
15,039 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,699 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,005 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,479 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,512 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,777 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,524 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,714 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,200 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,462 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,547 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
27,102 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,501 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,787 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,396 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
36,070 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,145 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,520 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,897 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,796 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,788 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,823 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,387 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
27,058 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,799 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,521 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,346 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,614 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,929 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,528 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,335 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,198 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,474 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,909 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,549 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,775 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,714 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,908 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,823 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,628 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|