TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — Swimming is currently off-limits at Hamilton Pool Preserve in Travis County.
Travis County Parks said that visitors to Hamilton Pool are currently not allowed to get into the water due to recent rains and high bacteria levels. However, the preserve remains open for hiking. Reservations are still required.
The Pirretti family, a family of five from Arizona, planned their trip to Austin and Hamilton Pool months in advance. On Tuesday, they were at the preserve.
"I think it's really gorgeous, especially the geography. We got to watch the fish," Garrett Pirretti said.
But they were also hoping to swim in the water.
"It's a bummer. we had a picnic planned and our swimmers and everything," Amy Pirretti said.
Travis County Parks said the earliest swimming might be allowed is Friday, June 30. When it is allowed, only a very limited portion of the pool is available for water access due to a continued problem of falling rocks.
"As always, whether swimming will be allowed depends on factors beyond our control, such as bacteria levels and recent rain," Travis County Parks said. "Water access is never guaranteed with a reservation. Visitors with reservations have until midnight before their reservations to go online to reschedule."
Hamilton Pool isn't the only natural body of water currently closed for swimming. Jacob's Well in Wimberley also remains closed because the drought has caused the flow from the spring to not be suitable for swimming.
Hays County said it will provide an update when there is sustainable flow and Jacob's Well is deemed safe for swim access, but until then, swim reservations remain closed.
"We do not know when we will allow swimming as this is contingent on precipitation and groundwater flow," the County said.
As with Hamilton Pool, the natural area around Jacob's Well remains open for hiking.
Desperate for a dip and don't mind chlorine? Check out our list of pools and splash pads in the Austin area.