Current Conservation Stage
Current Conservation Status: Stage 2
Effective August 10, 2026, the following water-use measures are now in effect:
- Watering with a hand-held hose, bucket, drip irrigation system or soaker hose that does not spray water into the air is allowed any day before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler remains limited to once per week based on the last digit of your service address
- Irrigation is permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Decorative outdoor fountains remain prohibited unless they operate entirely with reclaimed water
- Foundations may be watered up to two hours on any day, during watering times, by handheld hose; or using a soaker hose or drip system placed within 24 inches of the foundation that does not produce a spray of water above the ground
- Water waste is prohibited year round
Protecting the Community’s Water Supply
Stages are used to help balance water availability with customer needs during periods of reduced rainfall or increased demand. Conditions can change over time, and drought stages may be adjusted as water supply and usage patterns improve or decline. View the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances.
Landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler remains limited to once per week based on the last digit of your service address. Use the following table to know when you can water.
|
Address ending with |
Irrigation Watering Day |
|
0 or 1 |
Monday |
|
2 or 3 |
Tuesday |
|
4 or 5 |
Wednesday |
|
6 or 7 |
Thursday |
|
8 or 9 |
Friday |
What Defines It
Irrigation is limited to once per week by address, and handheld watering is allowed any time, any day.
Guidelines
- Watering with a hand-held hose, bucket, drip irrigation system or soaker hose that does not spray water into the air is allowed any day, anytime
- Landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler remains limited to once per week based on the last digit of your service address
- Irrigation is permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Decorative outdoor fountains remain prohibited unless they operate entirely with reclaimed water
- Water waste is prohibited year round
Trigger
When the aquifer is at or below 660 msl (mean sea level), based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, or the discharge from the Comal Springs is at or below this 225 cfs (cubic feet per second), whichever happens first, or as determined by section 130-221, the mayor of the city, in consultation with NBU, may officially declare stage 1.
What Defines It
Irrigation is limited to once per week by address, and handheld watering is allowed any day before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Trigger Level
When the aquifer is at or below 650 msl (mean sea level), based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, or the discharge from the Comal Springs is at or below this 200 cfs (cubic feet per second), whichever happens first, or as determined by section 130-221, the mayor of the city, in consultation with NBU, may officially declare stage 2.
What Defines It
Irrigation is limited to once every other week by address – no watering at all during off weeks.
Guidelines
- Watering with a hand-held hose, bucket, drip irrigation system or soaker hose that does not spray water into the air is allowed any day before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler remains limited to once per week based on the last digit of your service address
- Irrigation is permitted only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Decorative outdoor fountains remain prohibited unless they operate entirely with reclaimed water
- Water waste is prohibited year round
Trigger Level
When the aquifer is at or below 640 msl (mean sea level), based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, or the discharge from the Comal Springs is at or below this 150 cfs (cubic feet per second), whichever happens first, or as determined by section 130-221, the mayor of the city, in consultation with NBU, may officially declare stage 3.
Stage 4 Guidelines
Stage 4 can be declared during exceptional drought/aquifer-risk conditions. NBU will proactively communicate with the community should this stage ever be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More
For details about our Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), irrigation use and water conservation, explore the following resources: