The City of Austin is blessed with an abundance of water recreation opportunities. Austin Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains parkland surrounding several lakes, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin and Lake Walter E. Long. The lakes have a variety of recreation opportunities.

The water of Texas is regulated by Texas Parks and Wildlife. Additional information about boating and fishing in Texas is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife site.

Chapter 31 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Codes addresses the majority of all boating laws within the State of Texas. This chapter is called the Texas Water Safety Act. Texas Water Safety Act Digest

Boating enforcement is under Austin Police Department.

Municipal Lakes

  • Lake Austin
  • Walter E. Long
  • Lady Bird
  • Decker Lake It was renamed to Walter E. Long Lake in 1978. The reservoir is primarily used to cool the generators at the Long (Decker Creek) Power Plant.

Contact 311