Water Level
|
631.78 ft
updated 2:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Changes in water management needed
Posted: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:17 AM - 9,900 Readers
By: Jo Karr Tedder & Janet Caylor
photography by Jay Janner
The current drought changes everything about water management in Texas. At least it should. For three-quarters of a century, the system has worked. One look at Lake Travis or Lake Buchanan, where our region's drinking water used to reside, tells us it no longer does. White rings around the lakes mark the retreat of our water supply. Like the rings of a tree, they tell a story. The highest rings remind us of lost recreation and quality of life for visitors and locals alike. The middle rings mark restaurant closings, empty hotel rooms and the loss of hospitality industry jobs. Lower levels remind us that sales taxes dry up like the small pools of water left behind as the lake continue to shrink. These impacts are not just local. Without a dependable water supply, new industry will not come to Central Texas. We will lose not only the jobs in communities around the lakes, but we'll lose the opportunities for the new jobs that come with new industries. This week, the Lower Colorado River Authority has the opportunity to approve changes to the way it manages the Highland Lakes. The Central Texas Water Coalition has been deeply involved in the development of this plan, representing the constituencies directly reliant on the lakes. The new water management plan should be adopted and its implementation expedited. Then, adaptive management addressing the needs of the entire basin, including the downstream agricultural interests must be developed. The new plan provides more certainty to the 200 or so rice farmers, who now use the lion's share of the Colorado River water (60 to 70 percent), and to the million plus people who rely on the lakes for drinking water. But this temporary solution is not a complete "fix." In the old days, it was good enough for local interests to work out local problems. The drought has proved that this system is outdated. LCRA has been carefully balancing interests and keeping its fingers crossed for enough rain to bail it out before its water intake pipes start sucking mud from the lake bottom. The plan does not, however, add a drop of water to supplies and does not commit LCRA to providing additional clarity about how it handles our water supply. It's time for LCRA's overseers, members of the Texas Legislature, to take a more active role. We need more water and the funding to get it. Period. The LCRA has done an admirable job of providing water in times of the normal drought and flood cycle. But now, we need a change in management style and serious investment in additional water supplies. The Legislature can also help the LCRA by increasing its oversight. LCRA needs a third-party review of how much water it sells. Troubling questions remain about whether it has oversold its inventory. Third-party annual audits of water and financial operations and a thorough Sunset Advisory Commission Review should also be ordered by the Legislature to increase public confidence. State agencies go through Sunset; why shouldn't the entity we're trusting to manage our water do the same? The old way was good enough when 100,000 people relied on the river and lakeside interests were a few fishing camps and bait shops. Look around — Central Texas' water supply is now a state issue. Tedder is Lake Buchanan Central Texas Water Coalition president. Caylor is Lake Travis Central Texas Water Coalition vice president. They are founders of The Central Texas Water Coalition. Get more information at
www.OurWater-OurFuture.com.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,563 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,226 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,168 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,333 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,314 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,680 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,480 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,735 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,470 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,044 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,632 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,656 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,167 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,072 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,892 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,586 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,865 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,430 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,655 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,338 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,788 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,486 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,860 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,356 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,338 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,633 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,376 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,553 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,048 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,311 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,406 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,962 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,349 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,631 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,255 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,924 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,987 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,359 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,759 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,652 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,643 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,662 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,234 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,905 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,650 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,356 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,173 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,439 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,801 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,390 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,196 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,053 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,311 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,760 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,400 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,610 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,570 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,743 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,676 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,489 Readers |
News Archives 2011 - Select a Month
|