As drought conditions continue in Central Texas, the Lower Colorado River Authority is updating its Water Management Plan with more conservative water supply triggers and updated hydrology, or the study of movement, distribution and management of water.

The big picture: Central Texas has experienced intermittent droughts over the last few decades, with the drought of record occurring from 2008 to 2015. The majority of Travis County is in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. However, LCRA officials said that water supply conditions are normal, with the combined storage of lakes Buchanan and Travis at 83% full.

The specifics: The LCRA submitted a Water Management Plan update to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in March, following several months of planning, hydrology review and public feedback.

Diving in deeper: Water inflows play a significant role in lake storage. Hamilton said that man-made ponds are causing reduced inflows by retaining water that would normally flow into Lake Travis or Buchanan.

Looking ahead: The TCEQ is currently reviewing the update.

From a Greek festival to jazz performances, here are seven events to check out across the Lake Travis and Westlake areas.

3rd Annual Derby Day Party 
The annual event features a Derby Hat Competition, a best-dressed couples content, themed cocktails, a bloody mary bar, games and more. The Weldon Henson Band will play from 2-5 p.m., and the bar will be open from noon-8 p.m. 

• May 2, noon- 8 p.m. 
• Free (admission) 
• 101 CR 409, Spicewood

• May 22-24, times vary 
• $5 (admission), free (children 10 and under) 
• 414 St. Stephens School Road, Austin

• May 23, noon-2 p.m. 
• Free-$8, depending on age and residency 
• 3103 Lakeway Blvd., Lakeway

The Travis Central Appraisal District has begun releasing 2026 property value appraisals to Travis County homeowners. 

While the county’s single-family home market values slightly decreased, homeowners may want to consider protesting their appraisal if they believe it is too high, said Taylor Smith, deputy director of government affairs for the Austin Board of Realtors, in an interview with Community Impact.

“Take a moment, look at your notice of appraised value that you received, confirm that your exemptions were applied correctly, and then consider protesting so that you can lower that even further for future savings down the line,” Smith said.

The overview: TCAD began mailing appraisal notices to more than 427,000 property owners in late March, according to TCAD information. 

If a property owner believes their appraisal is incorrect, they may file a protest through the TCAD's online portal by the May 15 deadline or 30 days after the notice was mailed. By lowering a property’s appraised value, homeowners can see property tax savings in this year and future fiscal years, Smith said.

Check out the latest Austin metro transportation updates. 

Upcoming projects
Roundabout at Sam Bass Road, Hairy Man Road Intersection
Project: A roundabout will be added to the intersection of Sam Bass and Hairy Man Roads in Round Rock to improve traffic flow and safety.
Update: Project design is 60% complete, per Round Rock city officials.

• Timeline: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $500,000 for design
• Funding source: Hutto Economic Development Corporation funding

• Timeline: summer 2024-spring 2026
• Cost: $6.9 million
• Funding source: Austin 2016 Mobility Bond