Austin's water supply situation is showing signs of improvement, according to the latest updates from the Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force meeting held on June 10, 2025. The Highland Lakes, a crucial water source for the region, have received some inflow due to recent rainfall, bringing combined storage to over one million acre-feet, which is 51% full. This increase is a positive development, especially as the community hopes for continued rain in the coming weeks.

Despite the good news, officials cautioned that inflows remain below historical averages. The May inflows were recorded at over 50,000 acre-feet, which, while an improvement, still falls short of typical levels. The task force emphasized the importance of maintaining water conservation efforts to sustain current storage levels and avoid entering drought contingency plan (DCP) stage 3 by the end of summer.

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that severe drought conditions persist in much of the Colorado River Basin and Travis County. However, there is optimism that the recent rains could lead to some improvement in these conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has provided a seasonal outlook suggesting equal chances of normal precipitation and temperatures for the upcoming months, with a 74% likelihood of maintaining neutral conditions through August.

The Lower Colorado River Authority presented projections indicating that if median conditions persist, the region could maintain storage levels above 750,000 acre-feet through the summer. However, the task force remains vigilant, preparing for the possibility of worsening drought conditions in the future.

As the community navigates these water supply challenges, the focus remains on proactive measures to ensure sustainable water management and conservation efforts are prioritized. The task force's updates highlight the ongoing need for public awareness and engagement in water-saving practices as the region adapts to changing climate conditions.