The ban comes as water conditions are expected to have faster flows and increased debris following this week’s flooding in the Hill Country.
AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin has issued a waterway ban through early next week.
According to the city, the move comes after floodgate operations done by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in the wake of flooding that occurred this week in the Hill Country. As such, water conditions are expected to have faster flows and more debris.
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The ban will remain in effect until Tuesday, July 21 at 5 p.m.
The city says that personal and commercial watercrafts, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and other similar devices will not be allowed on the following waterways during the ban:
The public is advised to use caution and stay out of the water near the dams. People are also encouraged to stay off riverfront trails, as many areas are unsafe due to high water levels and the potential for flash flooding.
In an update on Saturday morning, the city of Austin said even with the ban in place, officials have continued to see people out on the lakes and waterways, which can be “extremely dangerous.”
“Fast-moving water, strong currents and debris beneath the surface create conditions that can change very quickly and put people at serious risk,” a city spokesperson said.
For current floodgate operations, click here.