The Lower Colorado River Authority announced to their customers Monday plans for further water conservation.

If combined storage in Lakes Travis and Buchanan drop below 600,000 acre-feet, firm water customers could be required to cut their usage by up to 35 percent.

Conservation efforts under Stage Two water restrictions would count toward that required amount. Failure to meet requirements would result in a water surcharge.

However in an effort to avoid that situation, LCRA told customers Monday they will consider temporary suspension of new contracts.

They said the contracts would increase the demand for municipal and industrial water and during the drought they are trying to limit that demand.

This announcement comes as part of the LCRA’s plan to manage the third year drought of the Colorado River basin.

Tom Mason, the General Manager for LCRA, said they believe this drought could be the worst the region has ever faced.

According to LCRA, every water user in the Colorado River basin has been affected by the drought.

The intensity of the current drought has dropped some of the region’s water supply to as much as 30 inches below normal.

Although recent rains have helped, it has not ended the drought.

Mason also pointed out rains have not recovered the inflow deficit which represents the shortfall of water coming into the Highland Lakes.

This summer that deficit was 400,000 acre-feet.

If approved the temporary suspension of new water sales would not require current customers to limit water sales. Instead, it will ensure that firm water customers, like the city of Austin, can receive the water they had planned to receive.

The policy would be in place until the deficit of inflow is recovered.

The LCRA’s Water Management Plan bases their water-supply commitments on conditions experienced during the Drought of Record which occurred from 1947 to 1957.

According to LCRA officials, they have implemented even more conservation and contingency measures to aid in drought relief.
One other measure LCRA officials are considering is cutting back the amount of water available for “interruptible water” customers.

Another measure they are considering is using their run-of-river rights to serve cities and industries.

The LCRA plans to hold several customer meetings to discuss the recommendations and get feedback.

For more information visit the LCRA website.