Posted: Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:38 AM - 32 Readers

By: Stephanie Becerra

The City of Austin is exploring a potential drawdown of Lake Austin in 2026, lowering water levels by about 10 feet over six weeks to allow shoreline property owners to perform essential repairs and maintenance on docks, seawalls, and other structures. This proposal stems from ongoing resident requests and aims to provide a window for work that is difficult or impossible at normal lake levels. The city is collaborating with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to schedule the drawdown around hydroelectric needs while minimizing disruptions to water supply and recreation.

Despite the plan's focus on infrastructure upkeep, environmental concerns linger over its impact on hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant plaguing the lake. Historical drawdowns have proven ineffective at controlling hydrilla growth, potentially allowing it to spread further when water levels return. A cross-departmental team is addressing regulatory and ecological challenges, and if approved, affected property owners, businesses, and lake users will receive advance notice to prepare. Recent rains have bolstered upstream reservoir levels, but cautious management remains key amid persistent drought risks.