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.
