After heavy rains fell across the Texas Hill Country from late spring to early summer this year, Medina Lake finally saw a steady increase in its withering lake levels, resulting in one of the strongest water levels it’s seen all year.

The reservoir rose by nearly 10 feet in recent days and is currently 8.9% full as of Friday, June 26, according to Texas Water Development Board data. While it does not necessarily mean the region’s long-standing drought is nearing an end, it is a significant sign of hope for many locals, business owners and lakegoers. 

“The much-needed rain over the past few weeks has been an answer to prayers and a fresh breath of air for us,” Sarah Voss, owner of Sunset Resort, told MySA. Voss is also a member of the conservation advocacy group Save Medina Lake. “It is reenergizing to see the lake fuller,” she continued. 

Voss and the Save Medina Lake group’s board members tell MySA that the recent rain has been a delight and that people are praying for more. 

“Many people’s docks are now floating. The lake continues to rise and looks beautiful. Nobody benefits from an empty lake, the farmers have not had water since 2022,” she said. 

Since June 19, the lake’s reservoir storage levels have risen from 14,712 acre-feet to 22,613 acre-feet. That’s about a 7,901 acre-foot difference. However, at full capacity, Medina Lake can hold over 254,823 acre-feet of water.

This is the first time in several years that the lake has reached 10% of its capacity. Just over a year ago, Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District Manager Dave Mauk told MySA that the lake was nearing “dead pool status.” 

“This drought is punishing,” Mauk said in April 2025. “It’s affecting the entire region, but it’s really devastating Bandera County.”

This time last year, lake levels were at just 2.5%. 

In a Facebook post, Save Medina Lake officials shared comparison photos of Lake Medina from last week. 

“1st photo May 16, 2026. 2nd photo June 24, 2026. The lake looks bigger now,” the caption reads. 

Mauk has not returned recent requests for comment.