CENTRAL TEXAS – After a long stretch of drought conditions, May and June showers have delivered a much-needed lift to lake levels across Central Texas, bringing both environmental relief and a welcome boost to local lake-based businesses.
Lake Levels on the Rise
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Thanks to recent storms, Lake Buchanan has risen by 5.5 feet, while Lake Travis is up by three feet. Even downstream areas like Lake Austin are benefiting from the influx.
“Our overall water supply is up over 120,000-acre feet,” said John Hofmann, Executive VP of Water at the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). “That’s really beneficial for our region.”
As of now:
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Lake Buchanan: 62% full
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Lake Travis: 45% full
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All water supply reservoirs combined: 53% full
While this improvement is encouraging, Hofmann warns the fight against drought isn’t over.
“The hottest, driest part of summer is still ahead of us,” he said. “Without more rainfall, we’ll likely see significant drops in July and August due to high water use and evaporation.”
Despite the uptick, Canyon Lake in Comal County remains at historically low levels.
Local Businesses Feel the Impact
For Luxury Boat Rentals at Paradise Cove Marina on Lake Travis, the timing couldn’t be better.
“In the last few days, we’ve gained a few feet, which is always good news,” said Carter Faubus, General Manager. “It gets people motivated in the summer to get out and cool off out on the lake.”
The company offers a range of rentals — from party barges and pontoon boats to jet skis — and the rise in lake levels is already drawing more visitors to the water.
Outlook Still Cautious
The LCRA notes that while this rain is a step in the right direction, multiple weather events are still needed to fully pull the region out of drought. Historically, flooding has also occurred in July through September, despite typically dry conditions.
Bottom line: Central Texas lakes are bouncing back — for now — and businesses are ready to make the most of it as summer heats up.
