Austin officials have announced a return to the baseline Conservation Stage of the city’s Drought Contingency Plan following significant rainfall and flooding that replenished water supplies in the Highland Lakes. The move comes after extensive rain in July filled Lakes Buchanan and Travis to over 1.9 million acre-feet of combined storage, which is about 94% full. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), lake levels are expected to remain above 1.4 million acre-feet for at least four months, prompting a shift from Stage 2 watering restrictions, implemented in August 2023, directly to the less restrictive Conservation Stage.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax said, “The prolonged rains that devasted our region also dramatically filled the Highland Lakes, which now meet the criteria to move from Stage 2 to the Conservation Stage of our Drought Contingency Plan. While the outlook is encouraging, all Austinites should remain committed to carefully preserving our water supply. Saving water today will conserve this precious shared resource into the future.”
Under Conservation Stage rules set to take effect September 2, automatic irrigation systems will be limited to one day per week for outdoor watering before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m., while hose-end sprinklers and drip irrigation can be used up to two days per week during those hours. Hand-held watering and tree bubblers are allowed at any time. Restaurants may serve water only upon request, and car washing or power washing must use hoses with positive shut-off nozzles or buckets.
“Austin’s water supply is a shared resource, and the responsibility to preserve it extends to every member of our community,” said Shay Ralls Roalson, director of Austin Water. “The community’s efforts to conserve water are key to maintaining the health of our water supply and meeting the needs of our growing city.”
Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan is reviewed by City Council every five years; its most recent update was approved in November 2024. The plan includes triggers based on reservoir conditions for entering or exiting each drought stage and features more protective restrictions than many other cities.
Austin Water will continue monitoring compliance through reports made via Austin 3-1-1 and regular patrols. Additional information about current restrictions, rebates for conservation measures, and resources for saving water can be found at https://www.austinwater.org/.
