NBU NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 6, 2005
Contact: Gretchen Reuwer, NBU Communications Manager, (830) 629-8486

Water conservation a crucial effort for everyone

NEW BRAUNFELS—Summer is here and with the increased heat comes an increased use of water in New Braunfels. The summer months are historically the highest water use months by NBU customers. Even with the Edwards Aquifer and Comal Spring levels remaining above the trigger points when Critical Period Management Plans are enacted, practicing water conservation is a means of assuring an adequate water supply for not only today, but for tomorrow, as well. Be sure that you are doing your part in this effort.

Landscape watering between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is prohibited year-round every day of the week in New Braunfels, unless you are using a hand-held hose, bucket or drip irrigation system. The levels of the J-17 well and the Comal spring flow rate have both continued to drop during the month of June and July. The Mayor of New Braunfels can initiate additional watering restrictions if the J-17 well reading is at or below 650 ft. or if the Comal spring flow is at or below 250 cfs. The table below shows the most current readings that are available on the Edwards Aquifer Authority web site.

If activation of the Critical Period Management Plan is necessary, notices will be issued to the local media, posted on the NBU website at www.nbutexas.com, and available to hear 24 hours a day on the NBU Information Line at (830) 608-8925. Brochures outlining the New Braunfels Water Conservation and Critical Period Management Plan are available at the NBU Main Office.

Here are some beneficial tips to remember:

§         Ensure that sprinklers are not watering concrete or paved surfaces and that water is not running down the street. Adjust the angle of the spray and the length of time that sprinklers are allowed to run to prevent water waste from occurring.

§         If you have a sprinkler system, turn it on and check all sprinkler heads for damage and replace immediately if needed. Check the timer to make sure that it reads the correct date/time and station runs. Consider the installation of a rain sensor on your sprinkler system. These cost effective products save water and even extend irrigation system life by automatically measuring precipitation and keeping irrigation systems from watering in rainy conditions.

§         Use an evaporation cover on your swimming pool when not in active use.

• Take a quick shower rather than a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
• Install a water-efficient showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute. (Replace an existing showerhead if a one-gallon bucket placed under the flow takes less than 20 seconds to fill.)
• Install aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets to reduce indoor water use by as much as 4%.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving and save more than 5 gallons per day.

The best way to weather drought is to eliminate water waste and make the best use of the water we have. It not only saves money and a precious resource, but also complies with city ordinances. NBU has more information regarding water conservation and also offers free water audits for customers to help identify areas where water can be conserved. Please call (830) 629-8440 to schedule an audit.