Invasive Species

Zebra mussels are in the Highland Lakes — boaters must follow the law

Zebra mussels have spread into the Highland Lakes, and Texas law requires you to clean, drain, and dry watercraft before leaving any infested water.

Burnet County Rules & Licenses

Zebra mussels are a destructive invasive species that spread easily on boats, trailers, and gear. They are present in Inks Lake and other Highland Lakes in and near Burnet County. Once they enter a water body, they are nearly impossible to remove.

Texas law is clear: when you leave an infested water body, you must drain all water from your boat and live wells, clean off any vegetation or debris, and dry your equipment before putting it back in a different lake. Possessing a live zebra mussel is illegal. Violating these rules can result in a fine. Before launching on any Highland Lake, check the current list of infested Texas waters on TPWD's website at tpwd.texas.gov.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Fishing Inks Lake

More Burnet County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle your property tax in Burnet County

The Burnet County Appraisal District sets your home's value, but it also handles tax collection — the Tax Assessor-Collector office does not collect property taxes here.

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Homestead Exemption

How to lower your tax bill with a homestead exemption

Texas law lets you reduce the taxable value of the home you live in — file once with the Burnet County Appraisal District.

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Water & Lakes

The Highland Lakes run through the heart of Burnet County

LCRA runs a chain of six lakes on the Colorado River. Four of those lakes sit partly or fully in Burnet County.

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Septic / OSSF

Septic permits near the Highland Lakes go through LCRA

If your property is within about 2,200 feet of the upper Highland Lakes, LCRA — not the county — issues your septic system permit.

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