On July 9, New Braunfels Utilities announced that the Edwards Aquifer J-17 Index Well's water level dropped below the Stage 1 trigger level, activating Stage 1 drought water restrictions that will begin July 13.

According to NBU, the well's rolling 10-day average water level hit 659.8 feet above mean sea level, which is 0.2 feet below the 660-foot trigger level for Stage 1 drought conditions.

The areas serviced by the aquifer have not been in a drought stage since October 2018, and the aquifer previously maintained an average water level of 676 feet.

NBU previously announced that the aquifer was nearing the critical level on May 7 and June 16 after insufficient rainfall, consistent high temperatures and increased water usage caused the water level to drop.

During a Stage 1 water restriction, sprinkler or irrigation system schedules are organized by address as follows:

• Addresses ending in 0 and 1: Monday
• Addresses ending in 2 and 3: Tuesday
• Addresses ending in 4 and 5: Wednesday
• Addresses ending in 6 and 7: Thursday
• Addresses ending 8 and 9: Friday

While the use of hand-held hoses, buckets and drip irrigation systems are not restricted during Stage 1, sprinkler and irrigation systems are not allowed to be used on weekends.

For more information regarding watering requirements or on-peak tiered water rate increases, visit the New Braunfels Utilities website.