Lake Buchanan and Travis face low inflows and potential drought stage 3 restrictions

The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) Water Operations Committee convened on May 20, 2025, to discuss critical water management issues affecting Lakes Buchanan and Travis amid ongoing drought conditions. The meeting focused on recent inflow data, lake storage levels, and the implications for water supply in the region.

The committee began by reviewing inflow statistics for January through April, noting that April's inflow was only 13% of the long-term average for that month. This trend reflects a continued pattern of low rainfall, which has significantly impacted water levels in the basin. Comparisons to historical data indicated that while current conditions are better than the drought of record from 2015, the situation has been deteriorating since last fall.

As of May 1, the combined storage for Lakes Buchanan and Travis was reported at 946,992 acre-feet, which is approximately 47% full. However, projections suggest that if dry conditions persist, the region could enter Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) by August. The committee emphasized the importance of monitoring water levels closely, as the Lower River is also experiencing reduced flow.

The meeting highlighted the operational status of Garwood, which has been utilizing interruptible stored water to support agricultural needs. The committee reported that approximately 383 acre-feet of this water had been released in early May. Additionally, communication with the city of Corpus Christi was deemed essential, as they rely on water rights in the basin and have been actively pumping water due to their own low lake levels.

Lake projections indicated a slight decline in levels, with Lake Travis measuring 635.5 feet and Lake Buchanan at 998 feet as of the morning of the meeting. If dry conditions continue, forecasts predict that both lakes could drop significantly by November.

In conclusion, the LCRA Water Operations Committee underscored the ongoing challenges posed by drought conditions and the need for strategic water management to ensure adequate supply for both agricultural and municipal needs. The committee plans to continue monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.