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Texas Lake Shrinks to 'Dead Pool' Amid Drought
9 Feb
Summary
- Medina Lake reached 'dead pool' status in April 2025, holding only 2.5% capacity.
- Water levels have slightly increased to 4.4% full as of February 6, 2026.
- Exceptional drought levels have led to new water restrictions for irrigation and well use.
The Texas Hill Country is grappling with critically low water resources, as Medina Lake has neared 'dead pool' status. In April 2025, the lake, serving Bandera and Medina counties, dropped to just 2.5 percent of its capacity, halting downstream flow. As of February 6, 2026, water levels had slightly risen to 4.4 percent, following a peak of 6.5 percent after deadly flooding in July 2025.
The lake's surface elevation is currently 978.57 feet, significantly below its full capacity of 1,064.2 feet. For over a decade, satellite imagery has shown a steady decline, exacerbated by worsening drought conditions. The Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District has declared an "exceptional" drought level and implemented new restrictions on irrigation and well use.
The Bexar-Medina-Atascosa Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 is also under Stage 4 water restrictions. These low water levels have widespread implications for businesses reliant on tourism, farmers needing water for irrigation, and the growing population of the Hill Country.
