Lake Travis is currently 88 percent full at 673.25 feet above mean sea level—the average level of an ocean’s surface—according to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s River Operations Report from Aug. 2. Since 1942, the annual August average has been 663.92 feet above mean sea level. This means current lake levels are above the historical average, despite how levels have gradually decreased this summer. On July 3, the LCRA’s River Operations Report said Lake Travis was 93 percent full. “Levels in the summertime tend to come down thanks to high temperatures, increased human consumption and evaporation,” said John Hofmann, executive vice president of water at LCRA. “What’s happening now is typical of most summers.” Hofmann said Lake Travis was not designed to be full at all times. Water is released daily to meet the needs of residents, businesses and municipalities in the area. While the LCRA’s weather forecast shows a chance of rain through the end of the week, LCRA spokesperson Clara Tuma said they do not anticipate the rain will raise lake levels. Instead, the rain will likely be absorbed by dry ground. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of July 25, parts of Travis and Williamson counties ranged from abnormally dry to moderate drought. Hofmann said residents should not be concerned because “droughts are a fact of life” in Central Texas. He said people should be aware of and prepared for potential droughts. “We encourage people to use water wisely all the time, whether we’re in drought or flood,” Hofmann said. “There’s never a good time to waste water.” Hofmann said the projected fall forecast expects improvements in drought conditions with above average rainfall. To learn more, visit www.LCRA.org.