AUSTIN — Businesses operating on Lake Austin say a planned seven-week drawdown this fall could shut them out of the lake during one of the area’s busiest tourism periods, costing revenue and seasonal jobs and potentially canceling a holiday light tour. The city of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority announced in August that Lake Austin would be lowered 10 feet from Oct. 12 through Nov. 30. The reduced water level is intended to give property owners access for dock repairs and shoreline maintenance while helping manage hydrilla, an invasive aquatic plant. For businesses that depend on boat access, the timing is a serious concern. October typically brings visitors attending Austin City Limits, Formula One events and University of Texas football games, many of whom rent boats or visit lakefront businesses. Shawn Smith of Austin Rental Boats said his companies estimate they could lose about $315,000 in revenue and may have to lay off several employees if operations cannot continue during the drawdown. “It literally stops us from being able to access the lake,” Smith said. Smith also operates Lake Austin Lights, a holiday light tour scheduled to run from Hula Hut. He said the limited period for lake access could force the event to be canceled. David Callejas, owner of Float On Boat Rentals, said his business expects more than $100,000 in losses and that roughly 25 captains could lose their jobs. He said the drawdown could also make the area less appealing to visitors because of exposed lakebed and odors. “People aren’t really going to want to spend time out here near the water,” Callejas said. Both operators said they received roughly seven weeks’ notice and did not have enough time to adjust staffing, bookings or other business plans. Callejas also questioned whether enough contractors would be available to complete all the dock and shoreline work during the shortened maintenance window. Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis said city officials have heard from businesses that felt blindsided by the announcement. She said the city needs to consider whether some stakeholders could be disproportionately affected. The city and LCRA have been discussing the timing and depth of a drawdown for years. LCRA officials have previously said lowering the lake during summer or winter could interfere with hydroelectric operations at Tom Miller Dam, narrowing the available scheduling options. Smith called for an economic impact study before the drawdown proceeds. If the project cannot be moved to winter, he said, delaying it until next year would give businesses and property owners more time to prepare.