Lake Travis

Central Texas boasts some of the most scenic lakes in all of the state. Several dams along the Colorado River form the Highland Lakes chain – a series of lakes that feature limestone canyons, big Hill Country views, blue waters and spectacular waterfalls. Check out the series of blogs on the individual lakes making up the Highland Lakes chain to learn more about each of these unique waterways:

Highland Lakes Part One: Lake Austin

Highland Lakes Part Two: Lake Travis

Highland Lakes Part Three: Lake Marble Falls

Highland Lakes Part Four: Lake LBJ

Highland Lakes Part Five: Inks Lake

Highland Lakes Part 6: Lake Buchanan

Often met with resistance, the LCRA says their objective is not to make money, or to bar homeowners from using lake water to water their lawns or use inside the home. Rather, the LCRA uses these records to monitor water use and plan in times of drought and to keep open the lines of communication between residents and the LCRA. Says Mark Jordan of River Management: “It is a common misconception that lakeside residents have a right to take and use water from the lake. This is not true. Residents are required to have contracts with LCRA to take water that LCRA has stored in the Highland Lakes. These contracts help us manage and account for water use to meet existing and future water demands.”

Lake Buchanan

The LCRA is attempting to make this easier and understandable with public awareness campaigns and an option to apply online. More information and a copy of the application are available here. The lakes involved in this contract are Lake Buchanan, Lake Inks, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis and Lake Austin.  Town Lake/Lady Bird Lake is not included (it is monitored separately by the City of Austin, not the LCRA, and not technically one of the Highland Lakes). A contract lasts for three years, and is a firm contract (meaning water will be reserved even in severe drought). According to the LCRA, those who don’t sign a contract and take water may be subject to civil or criminal charges.

Pictured: Lake Buchanan from the Lake Buchanan Estate