Water Level
|
630.34 ft
updated 6:00 PM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
LCRA cracking down on homeowners who steal water from lakes
Posted: Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:30 AM - 8,484 Readers
By: Ashley Goudeau
The serene sound of Lake Travis is overshadowed by the way it looks. Where there was once water, there is now nothing but dry land. The low levels aren't just catching the attention of homeowners, but also the entity that manages the lakes -- the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). "The drought has certainly highlighted the need to account for every drop of water taken from the Highland Lakes," said LCRA Spokesperson Clara Tuma. The LCRA says about 3,300 people are making that hard to do. "People sometimes put a pipe in the lake and then use a pump to take water from the lake, for instance, to water their yard. That's fine with a contract. It's not okay without a contract," explained Tuma. Of the more than 5,000 people pumping water from the lakes, only 2,000 have contracts to do so. So the LCRA is planning to turn violators in to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). "I think that we're entitled to the water in the lake," says Jessica Janda who owns a home on the lake. Janda isn't a fan of the crack down. "We pay a lot in property taxes, so we should be able to pull water out of the lake since, you know, our wells are going dry as well," she added. "We have no other infrastructure to get water into this neighborhood." Her husband Ryan disagrees. "They maintain the water, and they have the water rights, so they technically own the water," he said. On average, a yearly contract costs about $113, and the LCRA insists this isn't just about money. Tuma says they have to devise long-term planning for the water usage, and they need to know where the water is going. Currently they are sending letters out to homeowners, again encouraging them to sign contracts for the water. If they don't, officials say they will soon turn people into the TCEQ. Officials with the TCEQ say fines for stealing water from the Highland Lakes can range from $350 to $5,000, depending on how much water homeowners are taking. It is now working with the LCRA to determine how it will measure how much water people are stealing.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,459 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,126 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,044 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,231 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,182 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,589 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,368 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,638 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,392 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,959 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,557 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,588 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,091 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,005 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
31,835 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,493 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,764 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,352 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,560 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,249 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
14,651 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,361 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,779 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,291 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,254 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,547 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,303 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,472 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
26,962 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,234 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,320 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
26,895 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,291 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,546 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,161 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
35,843 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
37,903 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,248 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,684 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,578 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,566 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,581 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,162 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
26,820 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,569 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,275 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,080 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,370 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,699 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,312 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,112 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
23,960 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,233 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,687 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,314 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,527 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,503 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,664 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,591 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,403 Readers |
News Archives 2012 - Select a Month
|