Posted: Mon, 1 Sep 2025 08:56 AM - 23 Readers

By: Grace Gates - KXAN

Lake Travis, at 88% capacity, drew crowds of boaters over Labor Day weekend, a welcome recovery after July floods devastated the Hill Country. While the high water levels are a relief following years of drought, local business owners like Beau Sisul of Lone Star Party Boats note the lake’s refill came at a cost, with the Independence Day floods forcing a two-week closure due to dangerous conditions and high bacteria levels.

The floods hit local businesses hard, with Big Tex Boat Rentals owner Corbin Cornwell reporting a $100,000 revenue loss from July 4th cancellations, enough to cover winter expenses like boat slip fees and insurance. Despite the setback, optimism is high as the full lake attracts visitors, with Sisul highlighting the warm waters and beauty of Lake Travis extending into September, October, and even November, promising continued business growth.