ABOUT LUV THE LAKES

Central Texans Luv the Highland Lakes

From providing drinking water to creating jobs, from offering opportunities for recreation to providing a source for energy, by serving as an economic engine for a growing region to being a place countless Texans call home, our Highland Lakes are irreplaceable natural resources that give us life and livelihoods.

They need our help to stay healthy.

They’ve been there for us. Let’s show them how we can be there for them.

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Luv the Lakes is an educational project presented by the Central Texas Water Coalition to increase awareness of the importance of responsible management and preservation of the Highland Lakes.

CHALLENGES

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HOW WE SHOW OUR LUV TO THE LAKES

CONSERVE WATER:

Small adjustments and minor changes in lifestyles can have a big impact on saving water.

  • Check all water outlets for leaks.
  • Install a low-flow faucet aerator, showerhead, and water-saving toilet.
  • Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when full.
  • Turn off the water as you wash dishes, brush your teeth, and shave.
  • If you wash your car or boat at home, turn off the hose in between rinses or use a sprayer that will shut off until used.
  • Take shorter showers; one shower minute uses 2 1/2 gallons of water.
  • Water your lawn during cool times of the day; follow water district guidelines.
  • Plant drought-resistant trees and plants (xeriscape gardening).
  • Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation.
  • Ask your city council and homeowners association to adopt water conservation programs.

ENJOY THE LAKES RESPONSIBLY:

Most boating and lake accidents are preventable. Always use common sense, and make sure you or someone you care about does not become a statistic.

  • Know the signs of drowning. It doesn’t look like it does in the movies! Never swim alone.
  • Don’t dive into the lake. It might be shallower than it looks.
  • Always supervise kids around the water.
  • Take a boat safety, First Aid and CPR course with your family.
  • Wear a life jacket. Children under 13 are required to wear a life jacket.
  • Don’t overload your boat.
  • Watch for low water areas and objects above and below the water.
  • Avoid alcohol, but if you drink, do so responsibly and do not operate a boat or watercraft while under the influence.
  • Be weather wise, and don’t boat after dark.

PROTECT THE LAKES:

Keeping the lakes healthy will ensure we are able to enjoy unpolluted waters for years to come.

  • Use phosphorus-free fertilizer on your lawn or avoid fertilizer altogether.
  • If you have a septic system, pump the tank regularly to prevent backup and leaks that can seep into the lake.
  • If you own lakefront property, ensure that your rain gutters drain away from the lakes, ideally into your garden to reduce erosion.
  • Dispose of old medications properly — never down the drain. Never dump waste from cars or boats into storm drains.
  • Let your boat fully dry after use and inspect it for visible plants or animals to prevent spreading invasive species to other bodies of water.
  • Protect shoreline vegetation. Reduce your boat speed to reduce erosion. Use nontoxic (lead-free) tackle when fishing to avoid poisoning waterfowl.
  • Support businesses that properly dispose of chemicals, or better yet, that use ecofriendly products.
  • Vote for candidates and policies that will protect the Highland Lakes.