Posted: Tue, 5 Jan 2016 09:09 AM - 39,918 Readers

By: Carlos Garcia

New data from the Lower Colorado River Authority is showing lake levels continue to rise, and the increased water supply has been beneficial to local businesses in more ways than one.

One local restaurant says nearly five times as many people have shown up to eat here than during times of drought. Sun Dancer Grill opened its doors in the summer of 2014, when Lake Travis was at one of its lowest points at 628 feet. Current data from the lower Colorado River Authority says Lake Travis is sitting at 676 feet, which is 93 percent full. At this time last year, the lake was only 32 percent full.

Owner and executive chef Ben Nathan said the full lake has made a world of a difference.

“It has brought tourists. It has really energized the economy and local community,” he said.

While business has certainly seen a boom, the city of Austin is still under Stage Two water restrictions. For its part, Lake Buchanan is sitting at 1,012 feet, which means it is 81 percent full.