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NBU to Conduct Annual Smoke Testing to Ensure Wastewater System Integrity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Reagan Peña
Director of Enterprise Communications
830.312.7979 | communications@nbutexas.com

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (May 1, 2025) – New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) will begin conducting its annual smoke testing inspections to help identify breaks, defects, plumbing faults and improper connections. This testing is critical to maintaining water safety and system reliability. Here is key information for all NBU residential and commercial customers:

  • Crews will open manholes in streets and easements and pump a non-toxic, non-staining gas through the pipe system to identify breaks or defects.
  • Door hangers will be distributed in advance to notify neighboring homes and businesses.
  • Presence at home or business is not required during testing.
  • Notify NBU at 830.608.8831 if anyone on the premises has respiratory issues or mobility limitations.
  • If no lateral defects are found, smoke will exit through rooftop vents.
  • If it enters your home or building, evacuate and call 830.629.4NBU (4628) immediately, as this may indicate a plumbing defect allowing sewer gases indoors.

“Proactive maintenance like our annual smoke testing helps us catch small issues before they become costly problems—for our customers and our community,” said Jason Theurer, NBU Director of Water Operations and Compliance. “It’s one of the many ways NBU protects our customers’ health, property and the long-term reliability of our system.”

For more details, visit https://www.nbutexas.com/smoke-test/.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:

New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is a nonprofit, community-owned provider of electric, water and wastewater services. NBU strives to be a trusted community partner with a mission of providing resilient essential services to over 60,000 customers. Utility revenues are continually invested back into the very systems that provide electricity and water to our customers’ homes and businesses. Additionally, New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police and city parks. NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the mayor and four appointed residents. Visit nbutexas.com to learn more about our services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas. services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas.