The Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force convened on February 11, 2025, to address critical water management issues, with a focus on water conservation and drought contingency plans. The meeting began with a brief welcome and a motion to approve the minutes from the previous gathering, which passed without opposition.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the current state of water levels in Lakes Travis and Buchanan. Task Force members noted that combined storage is hovering around 51%, with recent rainfall providing a glimmer of hope for inflow. However, historical data indicates that inflows have been lower than average for several months, raising concerns about future water availability.

The group also revisited the topic of lake level forecasts, which had been sidelined during recent planning updates. Members expressed interest in reinstating these presentations to better inform the community about water conditions. The forecast suggests a potential transition into a La Niña period, which typically brings hotter and drier weather to the region, further complicating water resource management.

In addition to these discussions, the Task Force is considering a proposed merger with the Water Wastewater Commission, aiming to streamline operations and enhance water resource planning efforts. As the meeting concluded, members emphasized the importance of ongoing public engagement and education regarding water conservation strategies, especially in light of the anticipated challenges ahead.