Looks like it is just getting started… According to Federal scientists La Niña, a Pacific Ocean phenomenon that has been blamed for the current drought, “is back and will strengthen.” At this time Texas’ two major reservoirs, Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan are currently forty percent full. Because of these current conditions the Lower Colorado River Authority plans to meet on September 20 and again on September 21 to discuss reducing or even ending its water sales to downriver farmers next year. These farmers rely on Lower Colorado River Authority water to grow crops, so LCRA’s decision will definitely have an effect on these farmers.
This is interesting not only because it will effect these farmers but because the lower Colorado River Authority is the wholesale supplier of water to Austin and other Central Texas cities. So not only will downriver farmers be affected by LCRA’s decision but their decision might affect Austin as well. Austin is currently restricted to once a week watering so if LCRA decides to simply reduce its water sales to these downriver farmers than Austin might be restricted even further.
As it stands Texas’ two major reservoirs contain 812,000 acre-feet of water but the LCRA fears the amount of water could drop to 640,000 acre-feet by January 1, just 19,000 feet below the lowest these lakes have ever been. The pressure is on; LCRA’s decisions in the coming week will take a toll on Central Texas residents one way or another. 
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