22-07-2025
Floodwaters still pose risk in Austin lakes
Swimmers and boaters should be cautious this week as floodwaters move through Austin waterways, but Austin Water officials say the area's drinking water remains safe.
Why it matters: The Highland Lakes are a main source of water for Central Texas, and the July 4 floods moved debris and bacteria into popular recreational waterways.
Driving the news: The Lower Colorado River Authority, the nonprofit utility that manages the Highland Lakes and the river, urged visitors to use caution on the lakes through the rest of this week.
What they're saying:"Anyone who chooses to boat or swim in the lakes now needs to understand there is a risk of encountering flood debris and heightened bacteria levels, including E. coli," LCRA spokesperson Clara Tuma told Axios in an emailed statement Monday.
Catch up quick: LCRA opened floodgates at five of the six dams along the Highland Lakes — Buchanan, Inks, Wirtz, Starcke and Tom Miller — over the last two weeks to move storm runoff downstream and into Lake Travis.
Between the lines: Swimming remains safe in San Marcos and New Braunfels, according to Virginia Parker, the executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation.
Zoom in: Recent rains haven't resulted in drinking water quality changes, according to Austin Water spokesperson Martin Barbosa.
"Austin Water closely monitored recent rains and floods upstream, and our water treatment plants remained fully prepared," Barbosa said in an emailed statement. "During the recent weather conditions, there have been no issues with water pressure."
What's next: LCRA expects bacteria levels to normalize in the Highland Lakes by later this week, but urges caution in murky, stagnant or smelly areas.
