After nearly a year in Stage 3 drought restrictions, New Braunfels moved to Stage 2 on May 29 due to recent rains in the region.

How it happened

Rainfall has allowed New Braunfels to meet the following Stage 2 criteria, according to New Braunfels Utilities.
  • The 10-day average water level for the J17 Edwards Aquifer monitoring well has risen to or above 640 feet above mean sea level and has remained there for a minimum of 15 days.
  • The 10-day average spring flow for the Comal Springs has increased to or exceeded 150 cubic feet per second and has remained there for a minimum of 15 days.
The big picture

Now that the J17 monitoring well is reading above the Stage 3 level of 640 feet, and the Comal Springs is registering more than 150 cubic feet per second, New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz declared Stage 2 drought restrictions, according to NBU.

While in Stage 3, NBU customers were allowed to water one day every other week. The shift to Stage 2 allows for watering one day a week.


The schedule for the use of a sprinkler or irrigation system is:
  • Addresses ending with 0 or 1: Mondays
  • Addresses ending with 2 or 3: Tuesdays
  • Addresses ending with 4 or 5: Wednesdays
  • Addresses ending with 6 or 7: Thursdays
  • Addresses ending with 8 or 9: Fridays
During Stage 2, watering with a handheld hose, bucket, soaker hose, 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. Running a sprinkler or irrigation system is not permitted on the weekends during stages 1, 2 and 3, according to NBU.

What they’re saying

“New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) has a diverse water supply and robust water resources plan that ensures adequate water supply; however, water conservation is essential for ensuring the protection of the community’s economy and natural resources - like the Comal Riverspring flow,” said Melissa Krause, NBU chief strategic communications and security officer, in an email. “We each play a part in carefully managing water resources, and together we can maximize the benefits to all who live in and visit our community.”

A closer look
  • Residents can learn more about the New Braunfels Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan and find additional resources, including tips for water conservation, online.
  • According to NBU, the seasonal tiered water rates take effect June 1 and remain effective through July 31, when the NBU fiscal year 2023-24 rate plan will become effective, and peak rates will no longer apply.
  • Information regarding drought stages and conservation can be found at www.nbutexas.com.