Posted: Mon, 7 Sep 2009 01:09 AM - 5,986 Readers

By: Steve Alberts

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. After a season of record breaking temperatures, combined with the exceptional drought, businesses at area lakes have been hit hard.

Pete Clark, the owner of Just For Fun, says since the 4th of July he's seen a 40% drop in business.

“I think the lake levels and heat are the key factors,” he said.

The weather has hardly been perfect this summer. This was the hottest summer in Austin's history - shattering the previous record. Lake Travis is currently 34 feet below its average level for this time of year. It continues to drop at about a foot a week

Chris Vanderslice, Assistant General Manager at the Iguana Grill, says the exceptional drought has affected his bottom line.

“It has been tough with the record breaking heat. We can’t keep people sitting out here on the patio to enjoy the view,” he said.

Since September 2007, Austin has received only half of its expected rain, a deficit of more than 31 inches. Still Vanderslice and Clark remain optimistic.

“We’re hoping for a nice long fall season,” said Vanderslice.

“I think people need to remember that the Lake is still here,” said Clark.

Many of the businesses near the lake are hoping to experience a couple of busy weekends before November. The months between November and February are the slowest of the year.