Protect Your Shoreline. Protect Your Investment.
As a realtor who lives, works, and plays on Lake Austin, I believe it’s important to raise awareness about a growing issue resurfacing across our shoreline: the return of invasive hydrilla. This fast-spreading aquatic plant is once again threatening both the health of our lake and the long-term value of waterfront properties.
One of the most effective ways to manage hydrilla and protect Lake Austin’s ecosystem is through a seasonal winter drawdown—a temporary lowering of lake levels. This practice not only benefits the environment but also provides homeowners with a rare opportunity to inspect and repair docks, retaining walls, and shoreline structures during the off-season.
Here’s why this initiative matters, how it works, and what you can do to support it.
The Problem: Hydrilla’s Return
Hydrilla is a highly invasive aquatic weed that thrives in calm, shallow water. It quickly outcompetes native vegetation, blocks sunlight, restricts boat access, and reduces overall water quality. If left unchecked, hydrilla can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem and diminish the recreational and financial value of lakefront properties.
How It’s Been Managed in the Past
Over the years, Lake Austin’s health was maintained through periodic winter drawdowns—a practice that dates back to the 1950s—along with the introduction of sterile grass carp, a non-breeding fish that feeds on hydrilla while leaving native plant life untouched.
However, in recent years, drought conditions and already low lake levels led to a pause in drawdown operations. The last one took place in 2017.
Lowering the lake during the winter months exposes hydrilla to freezing air and dry conditions, which can significantly weaken the plant or eliminate it altogether. Because aquatic species are less active and oxygen levels are higher in colder water, this method has minimal impact on the lake’s natural ecosystem.
Addressing a Common Concern: Will Refilling the Lake Affect Lake Travis?
The short answer is no. Refilling Lake Austin has little to no effect on Lake Travis water levels.
For example, during the 2017 drawdown when Lake Austin was lowered by ten feet, refilling it required less than eight inches of water from Lake Travis (Source: CBS Austin). Lake Travis is carefully managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) under its Water Management Plan, ensuring that operations like this one don’t interfere with regional water supply or storage.
What’s Happening Now—and What’s Planned for 2026
In July 2025, the City of Austin introduced roughly 350 sterile grass carp into sections of Lake Austin most affected by hydrilla, particularly below Loop 360. This measure is part of a broader, environmentally responsible plan to control the weed’s regrowth.
Currently, hydrilla covers about 74 acres—less than 5% of Lake Austin’s surface—but without intervention, that number could grow rapidly. A little over a decade ago, it consumed more than 500 acres.
With Lake Travis now near 90% capacity and the Arbuckle Downstream Reservoir in full operation, conditions are favorable for a winter drawdown in early 2026.
That’s why local businesses, community members, and lake advocates are joining forces to formally request that the City of Austin ask the LCRA to approve a January–February 2026 drawdown. After eight years, it’s time to restore this essential lake management practice.
Why This Matters for Lakefront Homeowners
Whether you’ve owned property here for decades or just recently joined the Lake Austin community, this initiative directly benefits you. A winter drawdown allows you to:
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Inspect and repair your dock, retaining wall, and shoreline structures
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Remove built-up sediment from your boat slip
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Improve boat access and reduce hydrilla buildup near your property
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Enhance water clarity and quality for swimming, fishing, and recreation
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Safeguard the long-term value of your investment
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Support a cleaner, healthier lake ecosystem for everyone
A Shared Responsibility
Lake Austin is one of our region’s greatest natural resources—a place for recreation, connection, and community. Protecting it requires collective action and informed support.
By standing behind the proposed 2026 winter drawdown, you’re helping ensure that Lake Austin remains healthy, navigable, and beautiful for generations to come.
As someone who personally owns and loves Lake Austin passionality, I'm committed to supporting my community!
