Town remains under water restrictions
The recent heavy rains across Boerne have delivered a significant boost to Boerne City Lake, producing the third-largest one-week water level increase recorded at the waterway in the past 26 years, city officials said.
From June 14 to June 22, the lake level rose from 29 feet 3 inches to 39 feet 1 inch — an increase of 9.8 feet in just eight days.
Rain gauges at the lake measured more than 8 inches collected during that time, which saw thunderstorms and even a flash-flood warning.
The rise trails only two historic flooding events in recent decades: the July 2002 floods, when the lake climbed 23.5 feet in one week, and the May 2015 floods, when water levels rose nearly 18 feet in just three days.
The increase is welcome news for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department heading into the summer recreation season, providing improved lake conditions for residents and visitors alike.
“We’re excited to start summer 2026 with water levels looking this good,” said Lissette Jimenez, Parks and Recreation director.
She added, “Boerne City Lake is one of our community’s favorite outdoor destinations. In our last fiscal year, we welcomed more than 200,000 guests who enjoyed taking advantage of everything the lake has to offer.”
While the recent rainfall totals across the area have been impressive, the location of the rainfall was just as important, according to Ryan Bass, city environmental program manager.
“Boerne City Lake has a relatively small watershed compared to many reservoirs across Texas,” Bass said. “Significant rises in lake levels depend on rainfall occurring in the right places throughout the watershed. This increase highlights how impactful those recent storms have been.”
The watershed for the Upper Cibolo Creek area above the dam is 19.5 square miles and entirely in Kendall County, which covers more than 660 square miles in all.
Since the early 1970s, Boerne City Lake has not only served as a recreational asset but stands as a critical component of the city’s water system, officials said.
Water levels can fluctuate throughout the year based on rainfall, evaporation and drought conditions.
While the recent rain has made significant improvements in the ongoing multi- year drought, Boerne Utilities water customers remain under Stage 2 water restrictions.
Residents can view current lake levels and learn more about Boerne City Lake by visiting the city’s website at ci.boerne. tx.us/. The level of Boerne City Lake rose 9.8 feet in eight days, from June 14 to June 22. Rain gauges at the lake measured more than 8 inches during that time.
Source: Boerne
“Boerne City Lake is one of our community’s favorite outdoor destinations.”
— Lissette Jimenez, Parks and Recreation director
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