The board of the Lower Colorado River Authority has lifted mandatory water restrictions to its water customers but the immediate reaction among Highland Lakes municipalities was mixed.

The LCRA board has also backed down from its controversial proposal to place a moratorium on new water contracts, something Burnet County Commissioners had argued could impede economic development.

That proposal was part of a diluted package of measures aimed at managing the LCRA’s water supply in 2010.

Marble Falls officials announced Friday that they would move to voluntary restrictions and thanked residents for their compliance with the mandatory restrictions. Horseshoe Bay said it will make a decision at the Dec. 15 City Council meeting.

Burnet said it was backing off mandatory restrictions and would ask residents to comply with voluntary restrictions. Granite Shoals said it would do likewise.

"We haven't really formulated a recommendation yet, but when it gets closer to the meeting, staff will come together and recommend a proposal," said Jeff Koska, utilities director of Horseshoe Bay.

Cottonwood Shores officials said they would maintain restrictions. This is primarily because the city is currently purchasing water from Horseshoe Bay - using a temporary water pipeline - while repairs are made to their water plant.

For the full story, see The Highlander