Water. Power. Community.
Delivered for Texas.
Enhancing the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service.
Our Mission
What does LCRA do for Texas?
Since 1934, LCRA has managed the lower Colorado River, generated and transmitted wholesale electric power, operated public parks, and funded community development — all without relying on state taxes. We serve Texans directly through water supply, flood control, and community programs, and indirectly through wholesale power delivered by local cooperatives and cities.
- Water for 1M+ Texans
- Wholesale power to 30+ utilities
- 40+ parks on the Highland Lakes
- Grants up to $50,000 per community
Mission Areas
Which LCRA service do you need?
Across water, power, community, and specialized services — LCRA delivers essential infrastructure that Texans rely on every day.
Water Stewardship
We manage the lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes to supply water to more than a million people while balancing environmental, industrial, agricultural, and recreational needs.
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Electric Power
Electrifying the Hill Country since 1934. We generate, transmit, and deliver reliable, affordable electricity across central Texas.
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Community Services
Grants up to $50,000, volunteer service days, public safety, telecommunications for first responders, and economic development.
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Specialized Services
Environmental Lab Services, fleet repair, panel fabrication, and protective equipment testing for commercial and municipal clients.
ExploreHighland Lakes
What are the Highland Lakes?
The Highland Lakes are a chain of six reservoirs on the lower Colorado River — Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls, Travis, and Austin. Stretching 150 miles, LCRA operates them as a single integrated system for water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation across central Texas.
Primary storage
Buchanan Dam
Hydroelectric
Inks Lake
Lake Travis
Mansfield Dam
Lake Austin
Tom Miller Dam
By the Numbers
How long has LCRA served Texas?
LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 during the Great Depression and began operating the following year. Nine decades later, the authority continues to manage the lower Colorado River, deliver wholesale electric power, and invest in central Texas communities — without any state taxing authority or appropriation.
The LCRA Difference
Why is LCRA different from a regular utility?
No state taxes
LCRA receives no state appropriations. Operations are funded by wholesale electricity and water sales — keeping costs predictable for the communities we serve.
Conservation first
Every decision balances water supply, power reliability, flood control, recreation, and the environment of the lower Colorado River basin.
Community reinvestment
Grants, volunteer days, public-safety telecom, and economic development put resources back into the communities that rely on LCRA.
Watch & Learn
Where can I watch LCRA in action?
LCRA publishes videos about water operations, flood management, power generation, and community programs on our official YouTube channel. Watch explainers on drought response, Hydromet data, community grant winners, and the Highland Lakes system.
Or visit the LCRA YouTube channel for the full library.
Reach LCRA
How do I contact LCRA?
Use the fastest channel for your need. Phone is answered around the clock for emergencies; the contact form is answered within one business day.
- 1
Emergency?
Flood, water-quality, downed transmission line — staffed 24/7.
800-776-5272 - 2
General info
Monday–Friday 8am–5pm Central Time.
512-473-3200 - 3
Send a message
Respond within one business day.
Contact form → - 4
Visit in person
LCRA General Office, Austin.
3700 Lake Austin Blvd
Austin, TX 78703
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common questions about LCRA?
Common questions cover who LCRA is, how we're funded, who we serve, and how to reach the right team for water, energy, community grants, or business services. Every answer below links deeper into specific programs, including real-time river data on Hydromet and park reservations on LCRA Parks.
What is LCRA and what does it do?
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is a Texas conservation and reclamation district created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. LCRA manages the lower Colorado River, supplies water and wholesale electric power, operates parks along the Highland Lakes, and provides public-safety telecommunications and community grants. LCRA has no taxing authority and funds operations through electricity and water sales.
How many people does LCRA provide water to?
LCRA provides water service to more than one million people across central Texas, including municipalities, industries, agriculture, and environmental needs. Water comes from the Highland Lakes system on the Colorado River, primarily Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis, managed under LCRA's Water Management Plan.
Does LCRA operate parks along the Highland Lakes?
Yes. LCRA Parks operates more than 40 parks, recreation areas and river access points along the Colorado River and Highland Lakes. Facilities include camping, boat ramps, hiking trails, pavilions, and day-use areas. Visit lcraparks.com for reservations and park information.
How do I report a flood or water-quality concern?
Flood information is available at lcra.org/water/flood and real-time river data at hydromet.lcra.org. To report water-quality concerns, call LCRA at 800-776-5272 or use the online reporting form at lcra.org/water/quality/report-water-quality-concerns.
Can my organization apply for an LCRA community grant?
Yes. LCRA awards community grants of up to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations, volunteer fire departments, emergency service districts, and local governments within LCRA's wholesale electric and water service areas. Applications and guidelines are at lcra.org/community-services/community-grant-program.
Where is LCRA headquartered?
LCRA's general office is at 3700 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703. Main phone: 512-473-3200 (toll-free 800-776-5272). LCRA operates facilities across central Texas including power plants, dams, water treatment plants, and field offices.
Serving Texans since 1934.
How can we help you?
From water service inquiries to grant applications and business opportunities — reach the right LCRA team quickly.