Announced in August, the beginning stages of the drawdown were set to begin next month October 12 and continue until November 30 in part to help control the growth of an invasive aquatic plant. Earlier this month, Lake Austin stakeholders banded together to protest the drawdown citing concerns that they were not given enough time to prepare as it would leave businesses scrambling during one of Austin’s busiest tourism seasons.
In response, city staff heard concerns about potential impacts for businesses and activities along Lake Austin, including the fall wedding season and major events such as University of Texas at Austin football games and Formula 1. The city said that while drawdowns provide property owners with improved access to docks, bulkheads, boat slips, and other shoreline structures for maintenance and sediment and debris removal, the timing of a drawdown can affect businesses, recreation, and major events that rely on lake access.
Float On Boat Rentals owner David Callejas told MySA he’s relieved the City of Austin decided not to go through with the drawdown after he said his business faced losing up to $100,000 in revenue from pre-booked boat trips in the fall.
“I feel great about it. I’m super thankful that the city listened to some of the concerns that they overlooked,” Callejas said. “I’m glad there’s channels for voicing concerns, and that our opinion feels heard. Hopefully as they decide to do this in the future they take full consideration of all of the possibly effects!”
The city said that while planning for the lowering progressed, staff continued evaluating feedback to determine when a new timeframe for the drawdown will take shape. Lake Austin stakeholders expressed interest in a drawdown in January and February 2027.
However, after Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the LCRA said it no longer would conduct lake drawdowns during the winter to help ensure hydroelectric generators at dams along the Highland Lakes remain available to support the Texas power grid during cold winter months.
“City staff will continue evaluating economic, operational, environmental and community considerations associated with potential future drawdowns, and we will remain engaged with LCRA and Lake Austin stakeholders as future opportunities are considered,” Assistant City Manager Mike Rogers said in a release. “There have been substantial efforts from the community to help problem solve and identify potential solutions, and we truly appreciate their continued collaboration.”