STORY 4: The Good and Bad of Lake Travis

It is March and spring break 2010 is here, the boats are out once again to ride the waves of Lake Travis, after a long drought kept many of the lake lovers running for the hills.

Located northwest of Austin, Lake Travis’ last public boat ramp closed Aug. 2009, which led to growing concerns about one of Austin’s main water supplies.

Karen Bondy, Lower Colorado River Authority’s manager of Water Resources Management, is in charge of the operation of Highland Lakes, which includes Lake Travis and providing water to Austin, industry and farmers.

Bondy received public and political pressure from the surrounding communities as the lake levels dropped to dangerous levels, the third lowest in the lake’s almost 70-year history.

“I would say the biggest ones were the communities around the Highland Lakes that had to spend money to reach the water level with their raw water intake. They didn't like how their lake levels were dropping because it was costing them money. The second one was the farmers,” said Bondy.

Unfortunately, for the ones who don't have direct access to the lake, such as Lake Travis resident and boat owner Ryan Zonana, there was no other option but to wait patiently for the lake levels to rise.

“The drought definitely impacted my ability to take our boat out. For starters, our cove was no longer full, and along with the rest of the ramps on the lake, ours was all dried up. But that didn’t stop me, luckily I know some people with boats on Lake Austin, which is right next door and is a constant level lake,” said Zonana.

Luckily for retired couple Tommy and LeAnne Worsham, having Lake Travis in their backyard gave them more opportunities to go out on the water despite its low levels.

“Well, in a sense, it was kind of better for us. So, there are pros and cons about living on the lake,” said Tommy Worsham.

Appreciating the beautiful weather spring brings is now here, Tommy couldn’t wait to take his boat out for a ride.

“Yeah, how about today!” said Tommy Worsham commenting on a day full of sunshine.

Recent heavy spring rains granted Worsham’s wishes. Lake Travis is officially back in action for locals and vacationers alike to relax, have some fun and explore what the lake has to offer.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryan Penny as well as many other Lake Travis residents seemed eager to get back on the lake after tolerantly waiting for the lake levels to stabilize subsequent to Austin’s most recent drought.

“I was definitely not expecting the lake levels to be were they are now. It’s a miracle! I am certainly looking forward to going out on my friends’ boats and wake board again,” said Penny.

To all vacationers, locals and spring breakers in Austin, now is the time to take advantage of one of the most popular recreational lakes in Austin!

Links:

lcra.org

laketravis.com