Waterways Ban Lifted, Effective Immediately

The City of Austin’s waterways ban has been lifted effective immediately. Floodgate operations by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) have ended at Tom Miller Dam, and Austin Water concluded floodgate operations early Monday morning at Longhorn Dam. As a result, waterways are expected to return to a more normal flow along with safer conditions. Recreational and commercial use can resume at Lady Bird Lake and on the Colorado River south of Longhorn Dam effective at the time of posting by the City of Austin Clerk’s Office. 

The ban first went into place on July 17 and saw multiple extensions. The extensions were necessary as unsafe water conditions were expected to continue. This proved too real on Sunday while the ban was still in effect. Austin Fire, Austin Police, and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to a water rescue on the Colorado River just south of Longhorn Dam. A family of five attempting to paddleboard and kayak on Lady Bird Lake experienced strong currents as soon as they entered the water. Swift Water Rescuers found them clinging to a tree after their watercraft were swept away. 

If floodgate operations are required at dams in the future due to heavy rains or potential flooding, the City may issue waterway bans again for the safety of the community and visitors.

At the time of this posting, personal and commercial watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other similar devices are allowed on the following waterways: 

• Lady Bird Lake

• Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam

While waterway flows and currents are expected to return to normal, there are still concerns to take into account before resuming all water activities. Historic data shows bacteria levels can take at least three days following stormflow to return to previous conditions. Precautions following the ban would be to avoid swimming in Lake Austin as there are always concerns for submerged hazards that are not visible, and the potential for health risk due to pathogens and unknown urban pollutants. Lady Bird Lake has a permanent ban on swimming.

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. The decision to let a waterways ban expire, or rescind it early, is made in coordination between Austin Fire, Austin Emergency Management, Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Water, and Austin Parks & Recreation. Leadership takes into account current water flows, water conditions, safety concerns, and other factors when deciding to extend, expire, or rescind a waterways ban. LCRA provides consultation and information to help the City make a decision but is not involved with the final decision.