Clearly it’s easy to see the Lake Travis water level is much lower than it has been in the past. This photograph I took in July and by the End of August it had lost an additional 14% of it’s capacity. The best camera you have is the camera you have with you! This is a photo of Lake Travis near the Oasis Restaurant showing how low the water levels are in August 2023. Local News reports the lake level is below 50% capacity and this resulted in water rationing measures starting to be implemented.

Lake Travis Water Level Drops to 37.6% of Capacity in Fall 2023

Lake Travis, the main water source for Austin, Texas, has dropped to 37.6% of its capacity in fall 2023. This is the lowest water level recorded in over a decade.

The low water level is due to a combination of factors, including drought, high temperatures, and increased water usage. The City of Austin has implemented Stage 2 water restrictions, which limit outdoor watering to two days per week. The city is also working to develop long-term solutions to address the water shortage.

At full capacity, Lake Travis can hold 1,145,000 acre-feet of water. As of August 4, 2023, the lake level is at 428,610 acre-feet, which is a drop of over 700,000 acre-feet since the beginning of the year.

The low water level at Lake Travis is a serious concern for the City of Austin and its residents. The lake provides drinking water for over 2 million people and is also a vital resource for irrigation, recreation, and environmental health.

The City of Austin is urging residents to conserve water and help protect this vital resource. Here are some tips for conserving water:

  • Water your lawn less often and more deeply.
  • Fix any leaky faucets or pipes.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave.
  • Water your plants in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

By working together to conserve water, we can help to protect this precious resource for future generations.

Comparison to Full Capacity

Lake Travis is currently at 37.6% of its full capacity. This means that it has lost over 60% of its water volume since being at full capacity. This is a significant drop, and it is a sign of the severity of the drought in the Central Texas region.

The low water level at Lake Travis is a major concern for the City of Austin and its residents. The lake provides drinking water for over 2 million people and is also a vital resource for irrigation, recreation, and environmental health.

It is important to conserve water and help protect this vital resource. We can all do our part by following the tips listed above.