BY SIERRA MARTIN & KATY MCAFEE
Drought stages Drought restrictions in New Braunfels are based on total water supply, demand and capacity of water treatment plants.
The framework
On May 29, New Braunfels moved from Stage 3 to Stage 2 drought restrictions. In Stage 2 restrictions, watering one day a week with a sprinkler or irrigation system is permitted on a designated watering day, according to NBU. With the excessive heat warnings residents have been experiencing, the trigger to move back to Stage 3 drought restrictions was reached June 28, but city officials made the decision to remain in Stage 2 due to NBU having a diverse water portfo- lio, according to NBU. “We have a forecasting model that shows even under current conditions,
we can still meet that reduction requirement without going into a more strict stage,” Kelso said. “And so the idea is to stay in Stage 2 because we’ve diversified our water supply so much, we’re able to bring these other supply sources in, which reduces our dependence on the Edwards [Aquifer].” On Aug. 13, the Edwards Aquifer Authority declared Stage 4 of its Critical Management Plan, which was developed by the EAA as part of its Habitat Conservation Plan. The HCP works to ensure the springs do not dry out again as was seen during the historic drought of 2014.
New Braunfels Utilities
Watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed one day per week biweekly based on the last digit of one's address. It must occur before 10:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.
Mon. 0 or 1
Tues. 2 or 3
Wed. 4 or 5
Thu. 6 or 7
Fri. 8 or 9
Stage 2
Edwards Aquifer Authority
On Aug. 13, the EAA declared Stage 4 of the Critical Management Plan, which enforces a 40% reduction on permit holders pumping water out of the aquifer.
Stage 4
SOURCES: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES, EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Water conservation tips The average family can waste 180 gallons per week—9,400 gallons of water annually—from household leaks.
What’s next?
Some of the water conservation measures recommended by NBU include planting drought-resistant plants when landscaping, harvesting rain using a rain barrel, and ensuring sprinklers are watering the lawn and not sidewalks or roadways. “[Water conservation efforts are] necessary to sustain the aquatic life, the endangered species that live in those spring systems,” Kelso said. “But it is significant. And it is very serious.”
Central Texas will need to see weeks of heavy rainfall, specifically near Fredericksburg to refill water basins, to end drought conditions, said Aaron Abel, water services manager for the Brazos River Authority. “That’s what we’re hoping for, but in the meantime, we’ve got to do what we can to extend the last of the water supply in these reservoirs, and that’s by enacting our drought contingency plans and trying to reduce water use,” Abel said.
Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
Do not use toilets to dispose of trash.
Water before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Evaporation losses are up to 60% higher during the day. Use drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to this area to reduce outdoor water use by 20-50%. One-half to 1 inch of water per week will keep most lawns healthy.
SOURCES: BRAZOS RIVER AUTHORITY, NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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