Central Texas Flood Safety Guide

Lake Austin & Lake Travis 

2025

Find a boat thats right for you. 

BOOK NOW

Austin Flooding: Water Safety 

Stay informed and make the decision thats right for you when considering going out on Lake Austin or lake Travis after a significant rain event or flooding. Here’s an in-depth July 2025 update on Lake Travis and Lake Austin—covering water levels, bacteria concerns, and flooding impacts:

FAQ

No, it is not safe at this time. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has urged everyone to stay off the Highland Lakes, including Travis and Austin, due to elevated bacteria, debris, and fast-moving water following recent historic flooding. The City of Austin has also temporarily closed Lake Austin and surrounding waterways.

🔗 LCRA public advisory on lake safety
🔗 City of Austin algae and lake safety updates

 

Flood runoff often increases harmful bacteria (like E. coli) and introduces nutrients that feed toxic algae. While Austin Water has not reported dangerous blooms in Lake Austin or Travis as of early July, conditions can change rapidly.

🔗 Austin Water’s official algae monitoring page
🔗 LCRA’s overview on algae in the Highland Lakes
🔗 Post-flood health hazards report via Statesman

As of July 8, Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Creek, Bull Creek, and segments of the Colorado River remain closed to public access due to unsafe water conditions. These closures are expected to remain in place until further inspection by city and LCRA officials.

🔗 Flood-related lake closure updates from MySanAntonio
🔗 LCRA’s lake operations and flood response page

Lake levels on Lake Travis surged more than 20 feet since July 4, and high inflows continue. Boating and swimming will likely remain restricted until:

  • Water levels stabilize

  • Bacteria/algae levels drop to safe thresholds

  • Debris is cleared

Stay updated with official sources:

🔗 Hydromet live lake level & flood status (LCRA)
🔗 CBS Austin report on Lake Travis surge
🔗 Express News: Park and recreation area closures

Lake Levels

Lake Travis

  • As of July 8, the lake sits around 658.18 ft MSL, approximately 22.9 ft below flood pool and up 1 ft from July 7 (657.11 ft) 

  • antonio.com+15

  • Water surged dramatically following floods—rising by ~18 ft between July 3–6 .

  • Compared to the monthly average, it’s still below full, but a major rebound from spring’s ~635–637 ft levels.

Lake Austin

  • Maintained as a consistent level reservoir; post-flood, it reached about 95.7% capacity on July 7.

  • Typically less variable than Travis, but after July 4 weekend, it climbed back near typical summer highs.

Bacteria & Water Quality

  • Authorities across Central Texas are warning of elevated bacteria levels in lake waters due to flood runoff and debris.

  • The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) explicitly cautioned against entering lakes (including Travis and Austin) because of high bacteria levels and debris.

  • While Austin Water hasn’t detected harmful algae in Lake Austin or Lake Travis as of early July, toxic algal blooms are appearing in Lady Bird Lake, serving as a cautionary indicator.

Flooding Update

July 4–7 Flash Floods

Humanitarian Impact

  • The tragedy left over 100 people confirmed dead, with approximately 109 fatalities in the region, including seven in Travis County.

  • Swift water rescues—via helicopter and boat—saved hundreds. However, the speed and scale of flooding overwhelmed infrastructure and alert systems.

  • Ongoing search-and-rescue operations continue, especially around camps like Camp Mystic.