Lake Chaparral
IMPORTANT UPDATE: SWIMMING ADVISORY LIFTED
Updated September 4th, 2026
The swimming advisory for Lake Chaparral has been lifted. Regular recreational use of the lake, including swimming and wading, may resume.
Follow-up water sampling was completed on Monday, August 31. The sample returned an Enterococcus result of 662 CCE per 100 mL, which is within the acceptable water-quality range.
The laboratory report states that an Enterococcus result of less than 1,280 CCE per 100 mL represents acceptable water quality.
The August 31 result is also consistent with the range we have generally seen through our regular water-quality testing this season. Results in the 600s are not unusual for the lake and have consistently fallen within the acceptable range.
The previous sample, collected on August 25, returned an elevated result of 8,043 CCE per 100 mL, which resulted in the swimming advisory being issued. The August 31 follow-up result confirms that Enterococcus levels have returned to an acceptable range.
What Caused the Elevated Result?
We are continuing to look into what may have contributed to the unusually elevated August 25 result.
At this time, we do not have a confirmed source. We are exploring a number of possible contributing factors, including increased waterfowl activity around the lake, as well as environmental conditions at the time of sampling. We are also seeking additional information that may help us better understand the source of the elevated bacteria level.
While the cause of the August 25 result remains under investigation, the follow-up testing is reassuring and shows that the elevated level was not present in the August 31 sample.
The swimming advisory is no longer in effect, and regular lake activities may resume.
LCRA will continue with its regular water-quality monitoring and will communicate any future concerns to residents as necessary.
Thank you to our residents for your patience and understanding while we worked through this situation.
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