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Concern for Comal Springs and Downstream Impacts Prompts Stage 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Melissa Krause
Chief Communications and Strategy Officer
830.629.8440 | mkrause@nbutexas.com

(New Braunfels, TX – June 20, 2022) – On Monday, June 13, 2022, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) issued a release announcing it had delayed entering Stage 3 due to its resilient water supply, citing that over the past 10 years, NBU has nearly doubled its water resources. That announcement came when the Edwards Aquifer J-17 Well ten-day average hit 639.5 feet, dropping below the Stage 3 trigger of 640 feet. In that same release, NBU noted it consistently monitors multiple climate and utility operating system factors to understand the severity of the drought we face. Crucial components that drive the NBU recommendation to the Mayor on the drought stage include observing and understanding the percentage of the state’s drought conditions, the severity of those drought conditions, annual rainfall to date versus average rainfall, and weather forecasts. New Braunfels Utilities also monitors its system’s daily water pumping requirements, the Comal River’s spring flow, lake and aquifer levels, and how long the drought has persisted. 

With the drought continuing and no relief in sight, demand on the aquifer, not just in New Braunfels, but across the region, is putting the spring flow at risk. The Comal Springs flow is consistently dropping and is a habitat for endangered species and a precious natural resource that is important to the quality of life and economy of our community and beyond.  During periods of extreme drought, more than 75% of the water in the Guadalupe River in Victoria is made up of water from the Comal and San Marcos Springs. Downstream communities along with bays and estuaries depend on the Guadalupe River. At the current rate of decline without any rain, portions of the Comal Springs could stop flowing within two to three weeks as they did in 2014. For these reasons, Mayor Brockman of the City of New Braunfels has declared Stage 3. Mayor Brockman commented, “New Braunfels has been faced with severe drought situations over the years. Our community has always taken the appropriate conservation steps to prevent the Comal Springs from going dry. We are experiencing severe drought conditions causing Stage 3 watering restrictions to become effective tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21, 2022. It takes all of us to make a difference. Your cooperation in conserving to protect our Comal Springs is appreciated during these hot and dry days.”   

During Stage 3, watering restrictions for landscape watering with a sprinkler is allowed one day per week, every other week based on the last digit of your address:

Addresses ending 0 or 1: Monday                 Addresses ending 2 or 3: Tuesday

Addresses ending 4 or 5: Wednesday           Addresses ending 6 or 7: Thursday

Addresses ending 8 or 9: Friday

Use of a hand-held hose, bucket, soaker hose, drip irrigation system, or a soaker hose that does not spray water into the air is allowed on any day BEFORE 10:00 a.m. and AFTER 8:00 p.m. during Stage 3. 

Additionally, aesthetics such as fountains and waterfall use are prohibited, and variance requests must be approved prior to new landscape installation.  Landscape installation is permitted only if not more than 50% of the available landscape area is planted with turf and if proper horticulture practices are followed.  The use of a sprinkler or irrigation system is not permitted on the weekends during Stages 1, 2, or 3.

Stay informed of the latest watering requirements by visiting nbutexas.com, facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, or by calling the NBU water hotline at 830.608.8925. In addition to providing a complete copy of the New Braunfels Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan, nbutexas.com residents can review the Drought Contingency Plan or request an assessment and explore tips for saving water inside and outside the home.

New Braunfels Utilities has a diverse and resilient water supply and a robust water resources plan that ensures adequate water for our growing community

New Braunfels Utilities’ customers are reminded that peak tiered water rates took effect June 1 and remain effective through September 30. Conservation measures can help to manage your utility bill. To learn more, visit nbutexas.com/conservation.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:
Dedicated to excellence in service, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) was established in 1942 and is one of 2,000 community-owned, nonprofit public power electric utilities in the nation. The mission of NBU is to enhance the quality of our community by providing innovative, essential services. Governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of local residents appointed by the New Braunfels City Council, NBU is committed to being a recognized and trusted community partner, providing essential electric, water, and wastewater services. Utility revenue is invested back into the utility systems, which benefits the community. 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 parks. Additionally, in 2016, NBU repurposed its former16-acre warehouse site to become the Headwaters at the Comal, to serve as its conservation legacy, which will strengthen the relationship between the community and nature by showcasing the significance of the Comal Springs. Follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on Twitter at @nbutexas, and learn more, visit nbutexas.com.