Monday was Day 16 of 100-degree-plus weather in Austin and no relief in sight in one of the worst droughts in Texas history.

"And we're just still on the early end of summer. We still have what are typically some of the hottest and driest months still ahead of us." said Meteorologist Bob Rose of the Lower Colorado River Authority.

As much as 98 percent of the state of Texas is in some kind of a drought status. And Central Texas lakes and rivers are paying the price.

At the edge of the parking lot at Mansfield Dam Park visitors can and see sandbars not far from the lot. By the end of the summer they will be able to walk out there from their car because the water level is dropping about a foot and half per week.

And that's why the Lower Colorado River Authority said that at least a 5 percent decrease in personal usage from Central Texans is crucial for the over a million people who rely on the dam's water every day.

"The water supply we have right now needs to stretch. Not only through the summer but into the rest of the year as well. We just don't know when that next big rain will be coming." said Rose.

There's 45 percent less water in the Highland Lakes Chain now than there was in the major drought of 2009. And Lake Travis was only 55 percent full Monday. This lack of water this makes boating way less than smooth sailing. LCRA police want residents to keep their eyes on the water when boating.

"If you came out two weeks before there's going to be lots of hazards out there that weren't there before that are just under the surface of the water or actually coming out of the water." LCRA Police Chief Don Brant said.

Brant said boaters need to look out for rising sand bars and even construction pieces from the dams that may not have been there the last time you were out. Be very aware of changing conditions and always wear a personal flotation device.

"There's just so many obstructions in the lake right now that are starting to come up out of the water it's impossible to mark all of these obstructions." said Brant.

They are marking them as many as they can as soon as they see them. But the main responsibility will be on the boater.

"Use common sense. Don't get too close to the shoreline Know where the channel is when you are in the lake and stay in the deeper channel if you can." Brant said.

The LCRA wants to stress that the lakes and parks are all open for business despite the low water levels.