LCRA warns visitors to be on the lookout for flood debris on Highland Lakes

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- On Thursday, The Lower Colorado River Authority warned Highland Lake boaters and visitors should continue to be cautious when on the lake.

The LCRA said "some areas of the lakes still contain debris such as large tree limbs and trash" brought into the lake by the July flooding. The government agency advised boaters to avoid traveling on the lakes at night for several more weeks.

“The debris is getting better day by day, but you still need to keep an eye out and slow down,” said John Hofmann, LCRA executive vice president of Water, in a press release. “It’s absolutely not smart or safe to go full speed on the lakes under these conditions."

According to the release, "water quality conditions are now typical of what we see this time of year," but visitors should be aware of where they swim.

“Flood-related bacteria levels have subsided,” Hofmann said. “It’s important to remember these lakes are not chlorinated swimming pools, so there is always a risk of encountering bacteria or other microorganisms regardless of whether there’s been a recent flood.”

Lake visitors are asked "to avoid swimming in cloudy, smelly, or stagnant water as bacteria tend to be higher in those areas," according to the LCRA.

The LCRA provided some additional tips to visitors that include:

• Always wear a life jacket on Highland Lakes, which are now more than 100 feet deep in some parts.
• Be aware of uneven ground at the bottom of the lakes that are covered with rocks and plant material.
• Plug your nose when diving into the water to help reduce potential exposure to Naegleria fowleri amoeba.
• Avoid letting dogs swim near floating algae and make sure to wash dogs off with clean water after a swim.