New Braunfels Utilities announced yesterday that the water level for the Edwards Aquifer dipped below 660 feet—to 659.5 feet—triggering the implementation of stage 1 drought restrictions. “Due to insufficient rains and rising temperatures as well as an increased demand on the water supply, the levels of the Edwards aquifer began falling at a rate of 1/2 foot to 1 foot per day,” said Ian Taylor, CEO for New Braunfels Utilities. “The aquifer has been at or below 660 feet for 24 hours, which triggers stage 1 watering restrictions for NBU customers and New Braunfels.” During Stage 1 drought restrictions, customers are allowed to use a sprinkler or irrigation system one day per week based on the last digit of their address as long as they do so before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m. These restrictions apply to residential and commercial customers. The ordinance also prohibits outdoor fountains and waterfalls, requires a variance confirmation from the NBU Environmental Affairs Department for watering new landscaping and limits vehicle washing at home to watering days and times over a pervious surface that allows water to pass through. The schedule requirements for landscape water and other outdoor water use are as follows: 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 Watering with a hand-held hose, bucket, soaker hose, or a drip irrigation system is allowed any time on any day during stage 1 water restrictions. “New Braunfels Utilities is asking customers be attentive with their landscape watering to ensure that they are not watering outside the allowable times and that they are not creating water waste, which can lead to citations or fines,” Taylor said. “By observing the current water requirements, together, we will work to manage through this dry period and agency mandated reductions with our water supply.” The latest watering information can be accessed 24-hours a day by visiting www.nbutexas.com or calling the NBU Water Hotline at 830-608-8925. New Braunfels water usage guides are available at the NBU Main Office as well as the NBU web site under the Conservation tab.