Lake Austin Management
Summary
Austin's waterways are off-limits for now. The city has extended a ban on using them, so your plans for a dip or a float might need a rain check.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 33
- Last 30 days
- 8
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 10, 2026.
Impact analysis
Affected businesses estimate millions in lost revenue and hundreds of temporary job impacts.
Lakefront property owners performing dock maintenance during lowered water levels.
None identified at this stage.
Mentions & discussions (22)
Lake Austin drawdown delayed; stakeholders eye 2027 winter maintenance
The Lake Austin stakeholders said a winter drawdown between January and February could reduce disruptions to businesses and events around the lake.
City cancels Lake Austin drawdown to protect local businesses, events
The drawdown was initially scheduled Oct. 12 through Nov. 30, in an effort to lower the water level by 10 feet between Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam.
City of Austin cancels Lake Austin drawdown
City of Austin cancels Lake Austin drawdown KEYE
City cancels Lake Austin drawdown to protect local businesses, events
City cancels Lake Austin drawdown to protect local businesses, events KVUE
Lake Austin drawdown canceled following pushback
After much debate, the City of Austin will not move forward with a planned drawdown of Lake Austin.
Lake Austin maintenance canceled after community pushback
Lake Austin maintenance canceled after community pushback mysanantonio.com
Lake Austin drawdown could cost jobs, cancel holiday events
Several Lake Austin businesses say a planned drawdown this fall could shut down operations for weeks, resulting in lost revenue, layoffs and potentially the cancellation of a holiday light tour.
City Council — September 10, 2026
Local business owners and residents urged the council to reconsider an upcoming autumn lake drawdown that threatens fall tourism, weddings, and local jobs.
Jet Skis temporarily banned at Lake Austin during holiday weekend; new petition pushes further
A petition calls for a permanent ban on Jet Skis or a ban on the watercraft during weekends.
Concerns grow over safety, jet ski use on Lake Austin
As people head to Lake Austin for Labor Day weekend, some residents are raising concerns about safety on the water, particularly involving personal watercraft like jet skis.
Austin Police to enforce personal watercraft ban during Labor Day weekend
Beginning at sunset Friday, no watercraft will be allowed on Lake Austin. The city’s annual ordinance will lift at sunrise Tuesday.
Petition to ban jet skis on Lake Austin gains momentum
The petition was started after an incident on Lake Austin, Christy Spencer said. She was out on the lake when a jet ski crashed into her kids.
Lake Austin business owner welcomes first full weekend after waterway ban
Austin’s waterways are open again. For businesses that rely on summer visitors, it’s a chance to recover revenue lost during one of the busiest times of the year.
City of Austin lifts waterways ban as floodgate operations end
Recreational activities can resume on Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River south of Longhorn Dam.
5 rescued from Colorado River in East Austin amid waterway ban
According to ATCEMS, the rescue came following reports of a paddle boarder with multiple people on board and a kayaker in distress due to a strong current.
Waterways Ban Lifted, Effective Immediately
Waterways Ban Lifted, Effective Immediately City of Austin (.gov)
City: Austin's waterway ban lifted following completion of floodgate operations
Austin’s waterway ban has been lifted, effective immediately, following the conclusion of floodgate operations at Tom Miller Dam and Longhorn Dam, the city of Austin announced Monday.
Austin businesses claim 'confusing' waterway ban submerges summer profits
The Commodore churns its paddles into Lake Austin without moving. Parked by the Tom Miller dam, the steamboat couldn't depart for any voyage Saturday.
City opens Lake Austin and extends waterways ban for areas South of Longhorn Dam
City opens Lake Austin and extends waterways ban for areas South of Longhorn Dam KEYE
City Reopens Lake Austin, Extends Waterways Ban South of Tom Miller Dam
City Reopens Lake Austin, Extends Waterways Ban South of Tom Miller Dam City of Austin (.gov)
Recreation banned on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin amid danger
Recreation banned on Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin amid danger MySA
Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks Committee — July 15, 2026
The city is looking at how to manage water levels and invasive weeds in Lake Austin. This affects everyone who uses the lake for recreation or relies on it for water.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
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