Water Level
|
632.72 ft
updated 7:00 AM
|
Live Webcam
Vacation Rentals
|
Save water; grow weeds
Posted: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:16 AM - 7,633 Readers
By: John Kelso
I’d like to thank Vignette founder Neil Webber for being the only Austinite to make it onto the list of the city’s 10 top water users in each of the past six months. It’s an Austin drought we’re caught in, so I think it’s important that we have local talent leading the way. Between February and July, Neil “H2 Oh Oh” Webber used up more than 1.74 million gallons of water. I don’t know if that’s enough to fill up the big hole west of town previously known as Lake Travis, but it’s a start. Webber did not respond to calls for comment on his water-using habits. Of course he didn’t come to the phone. He was too busy messing with his sprinklers to get to the phone. Meanwhile, to try to keep the area from drying up and blowing away, the city has come up with a new set of law watering regulations designed to cut down on waste. For example, at my house, used to be I could water two days a week. Now it’s down to one. Fine with me, because it means I only have to drag out the hose on Sundays. I have more important things to do than fool with yard work. I would much rather be sitting on the recliner watching baseball. So I appreciate the city giving me an excuse to do more couch. The new water restrictions are pretty stiff. Used to be you could skate if you just told them you were a dumb ass. No more. If you get caught watering wrong, it could set you back at least $400. My main problem with the new watering regulations is that they don’t go far enough to fix the drought. What the city ought to do is make lawns illegal. What do we need lawns for? Sure, they’re cute. But even if you don’t have a lawn in your yard, something else will come along and grow there. These are called weeds. If you mow weeds all the same height, they look remarkably like a lawn. And you don’t have to water them. So let’s pass an ordinance making it a Class C misdemeanor to even have a lawn. We have a best-looking lawn competition in my neighborhood in far South Austin. Instead what we ought to have is a best-looking weeds award. I’ll volunteer to be one of the weed judges. As long as the judging doesn’t interfere with my hectic baseball-watching schedule.
[edit]
|
Lake Travis News
LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday
Nov 6, 2018
|
34,706 Readers |
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions
Oct 30, 2018
|
28,395 Readers |
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday
Oct 30, 2018
|
31,334 Readers |
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,492 Readers |
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis
Oct 18, 2018
|
33,492 Readers |
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video
Oct 18, 2018
|
29,858 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday
Oct 17, 2018
|
27,638 Readers |
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water
Oct 17, 2018
|
26,878 Readers |
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution
Oct 17, 2018
|
30,623 Readers |
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open
Oct 17, 2018
|
23,160 Readers |
Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis
May 15, 2018
|
27,765 Readers |
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree
May 8, 2018
|
25,769 Readers |
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,298 Readers |
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin
Aug 4, 2017
|
28,192 Readers |
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional?
Jul 31, 2017
|
32,009 Readers |
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th
Jun 27, 2017
|
27,716 Readers |
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin
May 25, 2017
|
29,982 Readers |
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis
May 23, 2017
|
27,551 Readers |
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals
Aug 9, 2016
|
37,780 Readers |
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend
Jul 1, 2016
|
39,470 Readers |
Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues
Jul 27, 2022
|
15,007 Readers |
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding
Nov 2, 2018
|
29,680 Readers |
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full
Oct 17, 2018
|
22,989 Readers |
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding
Oct 17, 2018
|
24,463 Readers |
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding
Oct 16, 2018
|
24,487 Readers |
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules
Oct 15, 2018
|
24,754 Readers |
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says
May 9, 2018
|
26,505 Readers |
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,694 Readers |
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam
Aug 7, 2017
|
27,181 Readers |
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning?
Jul 14, 2017
|
28,434 Readers |
Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week
Oct 16, 2018
|
22,534 Readers |
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest
May 15, 2018
|
27,085 Readers |
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017
Aug 7, 2017
|
28,481 Readers |
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017
Apr 1, 2016
|
38,757 Readers |
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return
Mar 24, 2016
|
38,373 Readers |
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list!
Jan 13, 2016
|
36,053 Readers |
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0)
Oct 19, 2015
|
38,123 Readers |
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions
Apr 17, 2015
|
40,495 Readers |
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record
Mar 14, 2015
|
40,875 Readers |
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards
Mar 11, 2015
|
41,773 Readers |
Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat
May 16, 2018
|
26,766 Readers |
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake
May 16, 2018
|
25,809 Readers |
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K
May 16, 2018
|
26,363 Readers |
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding
May 15, 2018
|
27,032 Readers |
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis
May 11, 2018
|
27,782 Readers |
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake
May 5, 2018
|
27,498 Readers |
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution
Aug 5, 2017
|
27,321 Readers |
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park
Jul 14, 2017
|
26,593 Readers |
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe
Apr 27, 2017
|
27,908 Readers |
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses
Jun 8, 2016
|
36,510 Readers |
Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise
May 16, 2018
|
26,320 Readers |
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel
May 10, 2018
|
24,181 Readers |
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin
Sep 28, 2017
|
29,448 Readers |
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar
Aug 8, 2017
|
29,889 Readers |
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin
Jul 30, 2017
|
27,529 Readers |
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory
Jul 28, 2017
|
27,749 Readers |
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge
May 27, 2016
|
37,695 Readers |
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions
May 18, 2016
|
37,880 Readers |
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property
May 14, 2016
|
37,799 Readers |
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World
May 6, 2016
|
41,611 Readers |
News Archives 2009 - Select a Month
|