The Lower Colorado River Authority board approved four drought response measures Wednesday.
The board authorized irrigation for farmers for the first crops in 2010. The amount of water the farmers will get will be determined on Feb. 1, based on which drought management plan LCRA is operating under at the time.
The board also approved a plan to ask the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to temporarily allow the LCRA to use runoff river water, instead of water from the Highland Lakes, to meet downstream firm water demand, including that for industrial and municipal use, if dry conditions return.
If approved by TCEQ, that would keep more water in storage in the Highland Lakes while providing water to customers.
The board approved a measure that will require any new contract or contract amendment for firm water, such as for cities, to be approved by the board.
Lastly, in recognition of recent rain, the LCRA board will allow customers to lift mandatory water restrictions. Those customers, including the City of Austin, will decide on whether to lift restrictions.
