The recent rainfall across Boerne has delivered a significant boost to Boerne City Lake, producing the third-largest one-week water level increase recorded at the lake in the past 26 years.
Between June 14 and 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 of rain during that time.
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 increased nearly 18 feet in just three days.
The increase is welcome news 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,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “Boerne City Lake is a regional outdoor destination. In our last fiscal year (FY 2024-25) 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 as the amount received.
“Boerne City Lake has a relatively small watershed compared to many reservoirs across Texas,” Environmental Program Manager Ryan 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 itself is more than 660 square miles total.
Since impounding in the early 1970s, Boerne City Lake has served as both a recreational asset and a critical component of the City’s water system. 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 in Stage 2 Water Restrictions. Residents can view current lake levels and learn more about Boerne City Lake by visiting the City’s website.
