Posted: Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:37 AM - 14,108 Readers

By: John A. Salazar

The Travis County Commissioners have released a study on the economic impact of low lake levels at Lake Travis.

Currently, the popular recreational lake pulls in $207 million annually in local and state tax revenues.

Persistent dry conditions like this year’s drought and that of 2009 costs the area between $16 and $22 million.

The loss of jobs, lower property values and recreational spending were all factors in the study.

Travis County Commissioner Karen Huber says water needs to be first priority for everyone in the area.

"That's what I would like to promote, is for everyone to pay more attention to water, where it comes from, where it goes, how it's used, who makes the decisions on it--because it is, in my opinion, our numero uno," she said.

Click here to read the entire study.