LCRA will lower lakes LBJ and Austin for about six weeks beginning Jan. 2, 2017.
Lake LBJ will be lowered about 4 feet, and Lake Austin will be drawn down about 10 feet.
LCRA is lowering the lakes as a service to customers and lakeside property owners. The drawdowns give property owners an opportunity to repair and maintain docks, retaining walls and other shoreline property, as well as to dredge, remove debris and perform other maintenance work. The drawdowns also assist in aquatic vegetation management by exposing plants such as hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil to cool, dry winter weather that severely damages the plants by exposing them to air, killing off the leaves and stems.
Lake LBJ: A permit is not needed for dock repairs, but all work must comply with the Safety Standards for Residential Docks on the Highland Lakes.
Residents and property owners wanting to perform dredging, remove debris or work on existing retaining walls during the Lake LBJ drawdown may do so under LCRA’s lakewide permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing the work meets the requirements of the permit. This fact sheet has information on activities allowed under the lakewide permit. Anyone wanting to conduct work under the permit must register with LCRA (see form below).
On Lake Austin: The City of Austin has specific permit requirements for work performed on Lake Austin during the drawdown. For more information, see the Oct. 21, 2016, news release or contact the City of Austin Development Assistance Center at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, or 512-974-6370.
Registration for Dredging and Shoreline Maintenance Work on Lake LBJ
Dredging and shoreline maintenance activities conducted under LCRA’s Lakewide Permit while Lake LBJ is lowered must be registered with LCRA. After registering your project, download the Lakewide Permit and Permit Notice. The permit notice must be posted at the site of any work.
| Resources:
Frequently Asked Questions about lake lowerings. Fact sheet for information about work performed on Lake LBJ during the drawdown. |
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Check with the City of Highland Haven before starting any dock and/or sea wall repairs. Building Permits may be required.