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Task force flags low inflows, Highland Lakes at about 49%; staff says Stage 3 drought possible by July under dry projections
Summary
The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning (Water Forward) Task Force reported unusually low inflows to the Highland Lakes and discussed supply strategies; staff said LCRA projections under extremely low-inflow scenarios could move the region to Stage 3 drought as early as July.
Commissioner Moriarty reported April 16 on recent Water Forward Task Force discussions, summarizing staff briefings on lake inflows and supply options and warning of an elevated drought risk.
Moriarty said staff presented graphics showing "freakishly low inflows" into the Highland Lakes during the first four months of the year and that lake levels were at about 49% on the day of the task force meeting. He said the low inflows echo conditions that triggered the Water Forward planning effort during the 2011 drought. Moriarty described three supply strategies discussed by task force members: aquifer storage and recovery (a long-lead project); indirect potable reuse (a strategy that would convey advanced-treated wastewater to the lake and then treat it for drinking water, which Moriarty said is encountering complications); and renewed study of using Decker Lake as a supply source.
Austin Water staff and a later speaker, Kevin Crittendon, said they track Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) monthly projections and that, under extremely low inflow scenarios, Stage 3 drought conditions could occur as early as July. Kevin Crittendon told commissioners the organization is planning internal communications and public messaging about conservation and drought planning in light of the updated projections.
Why it matters: Austin's drinking water system relies on the Highland Lakes. Lower-than-normal inflows can reduce firm yield and increase the urgency of conservation measures and long-lead supply projects.
Details: The task force will continue meeting every two months; no new project approvals were decided by the commission. Staff urged the public to increase conservation efforts and said planning continues on aquifer storage and recovery, indirect potable reuse, and Decker Lake as potential future supply strategies.
No regulatory orders or new restrictions were enacted during the April 16 meeting; staff said drought-stage changes would depend on LCRA projections and observed inflows.
