New water and sewer rates have been approved for New Braunfels Utilities customers.

The new rates, effective Nov. 1, are designed to have a minimal impact on domestic water users or customers using less than 6,000 gallons of water per month, according to NBU.

“NBU designed the water rates to allocate costs to the drivers for new supply and infrastructure, which is primarily lawn watering,” NBU CEO Ian Taylor said. “Customers with high irrigation will experience the biggest impact.”

The 2020 NBU water rates will increase by 26.45% across all water rate classes, primarily because of an increase in commercial and residential irrigation.

Meanwhile, customers using 6,000 gallons of water or less per month will only see an increase of 10.89% or $2.40 per month during peak season—from June-October.

“Residential water rates, as a category, will contribute an average of 12.66% more revenue than the current rate,” NBU CFO Dawn Schriewer said. “In town, the customer charge will remain at $12.80 per month for those with meters 5/8-inch and smaller, which constitutes more than 98% of the residential class.”

Additionally, the monthly wastewater customer charge for NBU customers will increase from $15.31 to $18.50, and volume charges will increase from $4.10 to $4.35.

“Enhancing the quality of our community by providing innovative essential services is a commitment that NBU has taken seriously for more than 75 years,” Taylor said. “Through responsible stewardship of vital resources and careful planning, NBU will continue to ensure future generations enjoy the benefits of this thriving community.”