Posted: Thu, 7 Aug 2025 11:54 AM - 11 Readers

By: Anthony Torres - KXAN

Ongoing caution is advised by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for visitors to the Highland Lakes in Texas. Following the significant flooding that occurred over the Fourth of July weekend, the lakes are still plagued with debris and elevated bacteria levels, posing risks to boaters and swimmers. The LCRA has warned that some areas of the lakes still contain large tree limbs, trash, and other debris brought in by the flooding. This debris, combined with fast-moving currents and higher-than-normal bacteria levels, makes the lakes hazardous, especially at night when visibility is reduced and navigational buoys may be damaged or missing

The LCRA has urged extra caution for those who choose to use the lakes during the day and has strongly advised against using them at night. The agency has been actively managing flood operations, including opening floodgates at Buchanan Dam to prevent overflow and directing water to Lake Travis, which has more storage capacity. Despite these efforts, the lakes remain dangerous, with debris and bacteria levels expected to persist for several more weeks. Swimmers are particularly advised to avoid stagnant, smelly, or discolored water, as these conditions are indicative of higher bacteria levels, including E. coli

The LCRA has also highlighted the dynamic nature of the situation, noting that conditions can change rapidly with additional rainfall and the movement of debris and bacteria around the lakes. While flood operations at dams along the lakes have concluded, and some debris has begun to settle, the lakes are still far from safe. The agency continues to monitor the situation closely and will reassess conditions daily. As the lakes recover from the floods, the LCRA emphasizes the importance of staying off the water at night and being extremely cautious during the day to avoid potential hazards