Lake Travis was originally formed as a flood control reservoir in 1941 to protect downstream communities like Austin from severe flooding. In the ensuing decades, Lake Travis spurred significant residential and commercial growth in western Travis County and Austin and is now recognized as a significant economic driver for the region. Its amenities help bring businesses to central Texas, its recreational opportunities support local businesses and jobs, and its beauty drives property development and property values throughout the area.

As the region has grown, so have the demands on, and threats to, the water in Lake Travis.  The water in Lake Travis is a resource being bartered and sold like any other. Interests downstream and in other river basins use Lake Travis as an inexpensive water supply. Rules created to ensure the superb water quality and clarity in Lake Travis are under review and could be weakened by state agencies seeking to ease restrictions on development.

Existing demands combined with recent droughts have demonstrated that water management policy must begin to consider the impact of lower lake levels and diminished water quality on the regional economy. Future demands will only intensify the impact on Lake Travis. It is imperative that communities around the lake remain vigilant and ready to participate in the process.

Following the drought of 2009, a group of stakeholders representing communities from around Lake Travis came together and pooled money to fund a study of the economic value of Lake Travis to the region and to the state. This report studied the base case economic value of the area, and investigated how that value is impacted by low lake levels or reduced water quality. The report provides quantitative data for policy makers considering water quantity and quality management for Lake Travis.

The process demonstrated the value of an information and action network for community representatives. The network allows stakeholders to become aware of and take action on policies being considered by the agencies responsible for management of the lake.  The increasing demands on Lake Travis combined with recent droughts have exposed the vulnerability of Lake Travis economy to water management decisions. The Lake Travis Coalition is designed to share information and coordinate action in defense of Lake Travis on behalf Lake Travis communities.