AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Water is relaxing some restrictions following July's heavy rainfall.
The Highland Lakes were filled by the same heavy rains that devastated the Hill Country. Although this restored Austin's water supply, there are still restrictions in place.
The backstory:
For the first time in two years, the City of Austin is shifting back to baseline water conservation efforts.
"This is an improvement. As you recall, in July we had large rains in the Hill Country. While tragic, they also filled up Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis," said Kevin Kluge, Austin Water's water conservation manager.
Extensive rain and flooding filled both lakes to just under 95 percent full.
"So that’s a good thing, and we’re shifting from stage 2 drought restrictions to the Conservation Stage, which