Proposal to lower Lake Austin faces deep skepticism

 

 

1. Screen Shots from Austin-American Statesman website

2. Environment

3. Local Level

4. A problem/issue that individuals face

5. The problem explained in the article affects residents of Austin and surrounding areas. Residents of Austin should be concerned with the issue and remedy proposed in order to decide whether they will take action with or against the issue.

6. Lake Austin never seemed like much of a lake to me. I have lived in Austin for 3 years, and in this time the lake level dropped lower each year. I learned to Scuba dive in the murky water of Lake Travis, which also suffers from lowering water levels. The drought gets worse every year, and the lakes in which we use for everyday water sources are diminishing.

Lakeway residents fear a drop in income through declining visitation to a lowered, less appealing lake. Lake Austin, Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan already suffer from fewer visitations. The scuba class previously mentioned doesn’t do lessons at these lakes anymore, due to the lower water levels. So, the problem has already surfaced, it is time for a solution.

Residents of Lakeway are concerned for their property values. I understand the necessity to protect investments. However, if Austin residents need to choose between available water sources and Lakeway resident property values, I trust water availability wins the contest. Lakeway residents have aimed their efforts to stop the lake-lowering project by creating websites and facebook pages. I enjoy seeing the community come together and voice their concerns in an organized fashion. Instead of complaining, Lakeway residents created a website to critically think others options for the drought and lake situations.

The mayor of Austin, Lee Leffingwell, made a realistic comment on the situation; Leffingwell stated additional studies from outside sources should be conducted prior to following through with the lake-lowering plan. Also, leffingwell suggested additional ‘creative thinking’ should be used to approach the diminishing lake levels. I feel that the drought issue needs to be addressed, however the lake-lowering plan seems drastic and rash.

I hope an agreement can be found between Lakeway residents, Austin citizens and the Lower Colorado River Authority. At the end of the day, lowering water levels needs to be addressed. The drought raises concerns for the well-being of Austin citizens and therefore the opinion of all Austin citizens should be heard.