Austin Waterways Ban Lifted | Texas News

Texas News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 27, 2026 · 1m

Austin’s waterways ban is officially lifted—Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River south of Longhorn Dam are open for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding again. After a tense week of floodgate operations following heavy rains, authorities have restored normal water flow. But don’t let the ban’s end fool you—recent rescue drama involving a family caught in strong currents serves as a sobering reminder of the river’s power. Officials still warn against swimming (already prohibited in Lady Bird Lake) and caution about lingering bacteria and submerged hazards after rain. The water’s back to…