Water Level
|
631.30 ft
updated 7:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Water restrictions in Austin to continue due to drought
Posted: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:06 AM - 10,843 Readers
By: Andrew Chung
A lack of rain has put much of Central Texas in to a moderate to severe drought. That has had an impact on how much water Austin residents can use. Vibrant bluebonnets in North Austin might make you wonder if there really is a drought. However, appearances can be deceiving. In November of last year, Sometimes Island at Lake Travis was visible. Now it is late March and Sometimes Island is much more exposed. Grass is even growing. The water level at Lake Travis has dropped, thanks to our La Nina-induced drought. At Bull Creek, the water levels are a little on the low side, but then again, the ongoing drought is nothing new. Last November, the water level at Bull Creek was a little higher, but today, it is visibly lower. Despite the low water levels, Austin Water spokesperson Jill Mayfield is not too concerned. Water restrictions that have been in effect since 2009 are still in place. That means watering is only allowed two days a week. "We're pretty much in just a watch, ‘Let's keep our eye on it’ type of phase. We haven't had any kind of directive from the Lower Colorado River Authority," said Mayfield. She says the restrictions would normally be lifted during the fall, but Austin Water decided to keep them in place. Mayfield expects the restrictions to remain for the time being. "It seems like Austinites have adopted that very well, and have great landscapes with that, and are managing their landscapes appropriately, and we see a lot more people putting in more native landscapes or hardscapes which are permeable gravel or pathways," Mayfield said. By saving water through these restrictions, Austin Water is confident the city, along with its lakes and streams, can handle the drought. The drought has had an impact on the wildflowers, but there is hope. La Nina is weakening, and should continue to weaken over the next few months. With a weakening La Nina, that could mean more rain, but rainfall tapers off during the summer, so there may not be much of a relief from this drought. We would have to see if rain increases this winter and next spring - but that would be more likely with a returning El Nino.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,552 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,213 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,158 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,322 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,301 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,670 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,467 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,722 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,465 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,035 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,626 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,646 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,158 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,066 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,884 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,572 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,848 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,424 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,642 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,327 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,774 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,473 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,850 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,345 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,329 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,626 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,367 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,544 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,038 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,298 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,392 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,954 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,342 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,618 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,246 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,911 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,979 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,348 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,754 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,644 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,639 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,655 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,226 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,892 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,644 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,350 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,158 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,432 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,783 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,384 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,188 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,046 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,301 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,753 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,393 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,598 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,563 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,735 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,671 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,482 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|