Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Walter E. Long Lake are man-made reservoirs (that are also known as lakes)!

A reservoir can be a natural system but the term is typically used for enclosed areas that are storing water for a purpose. In Austin, our reservoirs help generate electricity, provide flood protection, supply drinking water, provide cooling at the power plant, and provide many recreational opportunities! 

Collectively, the created reservoirs are providing ecosystem services that would not be realized if the Colorado River were flowing naturally. And because the reservoirs are man-made and regulated, they function in manners that differ from ‘natural’ lakes. The physical, biological, and chemical make-up and functions are unique and very sensitive to everything we do! 

Austin Lakes Index

The Austin Lakes Index was developed in 2010 to monitor and assess the chemical, biological, and physical integrity of Austin area lakes (Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and Walter E. Long Lake) on an annual basis. The most recent Austin Lakes Index scores are available through the State of Our Environment report

Vegetation on the Lakes

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