Drought Drains Medina Lake — and the Communities Around It
Medina Lake, a vital reservoir located approximately 40 miles northwest of San Antonio, has reached a critical low point. As of April 27, 2025, the lake stands at just 2.1% of its capacity, with water levels plummeting to 969.69 feet above sea level—over 94 feet below the conservation pool elevation of 1,064.20 feet.
“Dead Pool” Status
This drastic decline has led to the lake being classified as in “dead pool” status, meaning it can no longer support downstream flow, severely impacting the Medina River and surrounding ecosystems.
The prolonged drought gripping Central and South Texas is the primary culprit. San Antonio experienced historically dry conditions in 2024, with a total recorded rainfall of only 23.67 inches, which is 8.71 inches below average. This deficit has contributed to the severe reduction in water levels across the region’s reservoirs, including Medina Lake.
Struggling to Stay Afloat
The consequences extend beyond environmental concerns. Local communities, such as Lakehills, have seen a sharp decline in tourism, leading to economic hardships. Businesses that once thrived on lake-related activities are now struggling to stay afloat. Homeowners around the lake are facing depreciated property values, and some have resorted to expensive alternatives to secure water for daily use.
Efforts to mitigate the crisis include the implementation of aquifer storage and recovery systems, where water is stored underground for future use. Cities like San Antonio have adopted these systems to diversify water sources and enhance supply resilience.
Requires Years Of Favorable Weather
However, without significant and sustained rainfall, the outlook remains bleak. The Bandera County River Authority & Groundwater District currently lists the reservoir’s drought status as ‘exceptional,’ and experts warn that recovery will require years of favorable weather conditions.
Medina Lake’s situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate variability and the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of prolonged droughts.
