Record high temperatures and minimal rainfall have resulted in drought conditions for much of central Texas, categorized as severe to exceptional by the U.S. Drought Monitor (Sept. 7). Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis, part of the Highland Lakes system of the Texas Colorado River (not to be confused with the larger Colorado River of the Rocky Mountains), are the two water supply reservoirs for the region, supplying drinking water to 1.4 million people in the central Texas region. Over the past year, unremitting drought has diminished water supplies in the reservoirs to levels that trigger the drought contingency plan.

In July 2022, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) enacted Stage 1 restrictions, asking customers to make voluntary reductions. In August 2023, the lake system’s combined water storage level dropped below 900,000 acre feet, the lowest level since 2013, prompting LCRA to initiate Stage 2 of its Drought Contingency Plan for Firm Water Customers (municipalities, water districts and industries) with the goal of 10-20% reduction in water use through mandatory measures.[1]

Following LCRA’s direction, most cities in the region imposed water restrictions in accordance with local drought contingency plans. Austin, the largest city in the region, moved to Stage 2 water restrictions on August 12, and Austin Water, the public water utility for the city, restricted irrigation and hose-end watering to one day per week with limits on runtime and the time-of-day watering can occur. Additional limits were also imposed on car washing, commercial patio misters, ornamental fountains and water offered at restaurants (only upon request). [2]

If combined storage levels continue to drop, Stage 3 restrictions would go into effect at or below 600,000 acre-feet. According to John Hoffman, executive vice president for water with LCRA, “While our supplies are stressed, we have enough water, but we don't have enough water to waste."[3]

[1] “Managing the Highland Lakes through Drought - LCRA - Energy, Water, Community.” LCRA, www.lcra.org/water/highland-lakes-overview/. Accessed 11 Sept. 2023.

[2] “Austin Enters Stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan.” Austin Enters Stage 2 of Drought Contingency Plan | AustinTexas.Gov, 15 Aug. 2023, www.austintexas.gov/news/austin-enters-stage-2-drought-contingency-plan-0.

[3] Cantu, Fred. “Austin Water Customers Now in Stage 2 Restrictions, Watering Limited to Once a Week.” KEYE, KEYE, 15 Aug. 2023, cbsaustin.com/news/local/austin-water-customers-now-in-stage-2-restrictions-watering-limited-to-once-a-week.