Heavy Rains Return New Braunfels to Stage 1 Drought Restrictions

Recent rains filled up the Edwards Aquifer enough to allow New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) to exit Stage 2 drought restrictions on Monday and move back to Stage 1.

To exit Stage 2, the 10-day average for the J-17 (index well) Edwards Aquifer Level must stay above 650 feet for 15 consecutive days. The 10-day average for the aquifer level reached 665.7 feet on Monday.

“New Braunfels Utilities, guided by the New Braunfels Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan, monitors water levels and other conditions and encourages ongoing conservation. Conservation remains the most economical source of NBU’s water supply, and limiting water use may help customers manage their utility bills,” said Melissa Krause, chief Communications and Strategy officer.

NBU has a tiered water-rate structure, and peak season water rates become effective June 1 and will continue through Sept. 30, she said.

Katasa Carson, a communications specialist with SJWTX, formerly Canyon Lake Water Service Company (CLWSC), said Canyon Lake remains in Stage 1 restrictions.

“Recent rains are a contributing factor to SJWTX remaining in Stage 1, but we are still asking customers to conserve where they can to further prolong Stage 1,” she said.

SJWTX’s drought plan accounts for regional needs and aligns closely with New Braunfels, Carson said.

However, Canyon Lake relies on different sources for its water supply.

“So we have some different conditions/events that we evaluate when determining the drought stage for our service area,” Carson said.