Austin bans water activities on lakes, river after Hill Country flooding

Photo credit: Houston Public Media

AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin has issued a temporary ban on recreational water activities on several waterways through Tuesday afternoon following floodgate operations prompted by this week’s Hill Country flooding.

City officials said the ban will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, as water conditions are expected to include stronger currents and increased debris released after the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) opened floodgates.

The order prohibits personal and commercial watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and similar recreational devices on the following waterways:

  • Lake Austin, from Mansfield Dam to Tom Miller Dam
  • Lady Bird Lake
  • The Colorado River downstream of Longhorn Dam

Officials urged the public to stay out of the water near the dams and exercise caution until conditions improve.

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