Watershed Protection

Key Services and Information

Featured Programs and Projects

Hydrilla in Lake Austin

Since 2024, we been observing an increase of hydrilla on Lake Austin primarily in coves and backwaters downstream of Loop 360.  While still localized to a few spots, hydrilla is currently found in approximately 74 acres of the lake, which is less than five percent. This compares to the peak of over 500 acres in 2012 and 2013, approximately a third of the lake.

• See map of vegetation survey
• See map of areas with hydrilla

We are arranging to stock about 350 sterile grass carp during the summer of 2025. This represents about five grass carp per acre of hydrilla, a conservative stocking rate. We will be targeting the areas where hydrilla is most dense. Our goal is to slow down the growth of hydrilla and reduce its density in the coves without having a negative impact on the lake’s environment.

When considering hydrilla, please keep in mind:

1. Aquatic vegetation, including hydrilla, can benefit fish and water quality
2. Hydrilla can grow so fast that it becomes a problem for the environment and our community.
3. Managing hydrilla is a complicated balancing act that takes time.

Learn more about hydrilla and plants in Austin's Lakes.

Floodplain Remapping

The City of Austin, Travis County and other Central Texas communities are updating floodplain maps in the region based on the Atlas 14 study. Our current floodplain maps show where flooding is likely to occur with 10.2 inches of rainfall in 24 hours. The updated maps will reflect flooding from almost 13 inches of rain in some areas. This amount of rainfall has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year (the 100-year storm). Find out more about floodplain remapping efforts at ATXFloodplains.com.

Rain to River

Rain to River is a strategic plan that will guide the work of the Watershed Protection Department for the next 10 years. Our department will use this plan to set goals, prioritize our work, and guide our decision making to tackle urgent challenges such as climate change and racial inequities. The plan will update and replace the current Watershed Protection Strategic Plan. 

We need your help to draft the plan! Take our 10-minute survey to share your opinions & help us make decisions that truly reflect our community's needs by September 15, 2025 at RaintoRiverATX.com.

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What's on Facebook?

Over the past 3 years, we’ve asked Austin community members to submit visions for the future of local creeks, lakes, river, & springs. And you delivered! Since we have limited time, money, & people to enact these goals, we’d now like your feedback to help determine how we prioritize projects. Take our 10-minute survey to share your opinions & help us make decisions that truly reflect our community's needs at RainToRiverATX.com. Read more on Facebook.

Contact Us

For more information, visit our contact page.