City contemplates Lake Austin drawdown

The city of Austin has formed a working group to explore a potential Lake Austin drawdown in 2026. According to a memo from Austin Water and the Austin Watershed Protection Department to City Council, the exploration is a response to requests from residents who would use the lower lake levels to manage aquatic hydrilla’s booming population and to perform maintenance on shoreline structures. 

“While lake drawdowns have not proven effective in mitigating the growth of hydrilla, the City of Austin (City) acknowledges that a drawdown may be needed for lakeshore property owners and businesses to complete repairs and maintenance while also providing an opportunity to plan mechanical removal of hydrilla in localized areas near their properties,” notes the memo. “A review of historical data from 1999 to 2025, including Texas Parks and Wildlife Department vegetation surveys, indicates that drawdowns are not effective at controlling hydrilla. Data suggests drawdowns may have the opposite effect, facilitating hydrilla’s growth by reducing competition from other aquatic plants in shallow areas. Furthermore, the drying of habitats negatively affects native aquatic wildlife, including freshwater mussels, invertebrates, and fish.”

According to the memo, drawdowns typically lower Lake Austin by about 10 feet and take about six weeks. While once fairly common, only one drawdown has taken place since 2011. Any action must be coordinated with the Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the Mansfield Dam, notes the memo. In addition, the city will weigh the impact on local, lake-reliant businesses and its own utilities. Should the city move forward with drawdown plans, “detailed notification” will be provided to stakeholders.

New vape regulations still pending

In May, City Council approved a resolution that asked for “options to regulate the sale of synthetic nicotine products and e-cigarettes of any kind so that none of these products may be sold within 1,000 feet of a public school, private school, or daycare” and return with a draft ordinance by September 11, 2025. A new memo from Austin Public Health explains that, after some research, they need a little more time to develop the best approach. As the memo explains, existing legislation in Texas towns controls the location of vape and tobacco shops, but does not control all retail environments that could sell vapes. A workgroup is currently at work determining the best approach to that expanded regulation and, the memo promises, a report will be forthcoming after further engagement with “convenience and vape and tobacco shop owners and managers, as well as school administrators, district personnel, and day care owners.” That engagement and report will go towards crafting a draft ordinance.

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KUT has a recap of Austin’s “No Kings Day” protest on Saturday

Austin is getting a new federal microgrant to promote public safety, reports KXAN

KXAN also looks at the potential impact upcoming AISD consolidation plans will have on teachers in the district.

Mayor Kirk Watson has launched “Generation ATX” to promote child health and welfare in the city.

And, today is the first day of early voting! We presume our readers are well-versed on Prop Q. Here’s a handy guide to the 17 (!) constitutional amendments on the ballot from the Texas Tribune. (Stay tuned to see whether the issues election officials were concerned about leading into the election manifest into larger problems.)