The Lower Colorado River Authority approved a measure on Wednesday that will lift mandatory water restrictions.

The measure will allow the LCRA's municipal and industrial customers to back off of the mandatory water restrictions that were put in place in August.

LCRA spokesman Robert Cullick said Monday the levels are over the 900,000 mark.

"Now is the time to let our wholesale water customers back off of their mandatory conservation, if they want to, if they think that's a good idea," said Cullick.

However, Cullick said that doesn't mean people can start watering away. The LCRA reports that this area is still in a severe drought and its always best to conserve.

Cities will now have to make the next move, whether they will allow their own customers to back off of those restrictions or not.

"We believe the drought will continue," said Cullick. "We've greened up the yards, but not nearly enough to replace the water that is missing in our lakes."

And, just because the levels are okay now, there's no telling what mother nature will do.

Cullick said the board could implement the mandatory restrictions as early as next spring or summer.

"It's also a possibility we're going to continue, what has been two of the worst years on record in terms of extremely high heat, extremely low rainfall and extremely low inflow into the Highland Lakes," said Cullick. "We're trying to prepare for any contingency. We may have to change the plans as we go.'

Customers should now wait to hear from their individual providers if the lift will effect them.

As far as Austin, city officials they haven't lifted restrictions. Right now, they are looking into the lake levels and this drought. They will also meet with the city manager before making a decision.