Lake Austin 2026 Drawdown Canceled

The City of Austin has decided not to proceed with a drawdown of Lake Austin in 2026 following additional coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority and continued conversations with Lake Austin stakeholders. 

The drawdown was initially scheduled for October 12-November 30. Through stakeholder engagement, 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.  

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. As planning progressed, staff continued evaluating these considerations to determine whether an appropriate timeframe could be identified that balanced these needs.  

Stakeholders expressed interest in a drawdown in January and February 2027. While drawdowns have occurred during the winter months in the past, LCRA has advised that, following Winter Storm Uri in 2021, it no longer conducts lake drawdowns during the winter period in order to help ensure hydroelectric generators at dams along the Highland Lakes remain available to support the Texas power grid during cold winter months.  

Given these timing considerations, the City determined that proceeding with a drawdown at this time would not provide the appropriate balance between the operational benefits of a drawdown and potential impacts on the surrounding community. 

“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. “There have been substantial efforts from the community to help problem solve and identify potential solutions, and we truly appreciate their continued collaboration.”