City Extends Waterways Ban Until Saturday

Due to continued floodgate operations by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the City of Austin has extended the waterways ban currently in effect until 5 p.m., Saturday, July 25.

The extension is necessary as unsafe water conditions are expected to continue. Though floodgate operations halted at Mansfield Dam on Wednesday, June 22, hydrogeneration continues, requiring the need for floodgates to remain open at Tom Miller Dam.

In coordination with LCRA, Austin Water will keep flood gates at Longhorn Dam open until flow from Tom Miller Dam slows to a point where current flood operations can be safely scaled back.

The ban is extended in an effort to keep Austinites and visitors safe as water conditions may not be safe for recreational, commercial, and navigational use at this time. The higher, faster water flows resulting from dam operations can create hazardous conditions on the waterways for boaters, especially non-motorized vehicles on Lady Bird Lake. Boaters may have trouble paddling against the current to get back to their original destination or to stay away from dangerous areas near the dams. In addition, there may be strong and unpredictable currents due to debris beneath the water’s surface. Flows can stir up sediment making the water turbid, reducing water quality and visibility under the surface of the water. In addition, bacteria and pollutant levels tend to be high after storms.

Personal and commercial watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other similar devices are not allowed on the following waterways in Austin:

• Lake Austin from Mansfield Dam to Tom Miller Dam

• Lady Bird Lake

• Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam

Residents and visitors also are urged to avoid riverfront trails which may be unsafe to navigate and are susceptible to flash flooding at this time due to raised water levels. 

City Code Section 8-5-21 authorizes the Fire Chief to issue such prohibitions on waterways after determining that flooding is occurring or likely to occur.