Can LCRA keep water in the lakes instead of releasing it for rice farming?
No. According to Texas water law, first in time is first in right. Downstream rice farmers were given the first water rights in the Colorado basin, and these rights are senior to LCRA’s water rights for the Highland Lakes. These rights include some of the water that flows into the Highland Lakes. LCRA must pass through that water to comply with those rights. If farmers need additional water, they may buy it from LCRA if it is available. Four irrigation operations in the coastal plains have first priority for what is called “interruptible stored water” in the Highland Lakes. However, LCRA recognizes the importance of recreation and tourism for the Highland Lakes region in its Water Management Plan by limiting the sale of interruptible stored water to other downstream users.
