AUSTIN — The Lower Colorado River Authority has reduced its water supply projections after new data shows the ongoing Highland Lakes drought is the most severe drought the region has experienced since the construction of the lakes began in the 1930s.

The LCRA says the amount of water flowing into the lakes was the second lowest on record, putting the Highland Lakes into a new “critical period.” As a result, it is reducing its projections for the amount of water it can reliably supply by about 17 percent.

Despite this, LCRA general manager said in a press release,”Lakes Travis and Buchanan remain significantly above their all-time lows, thanks to smart water management decisions and excellent water saving efforts by our customers throughout the lower Colorado River Basin.”