New Braunfels Edition | October 2024

BY SHAHERYAR KHAN

Zooming in

What they’re saying

County Engineer Boyd said accounting for rising population levels from ongoing development allows the county to adequately size water and wastewater infrastructure capacity. “We’re working closely with developers and other agencies to ensure we’re addressing the infrastructure needs that come with this level of expansion,” Boyd said. Recent U.S. Census Bureau data shows New Braunfels grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2022. During that three-year span, the city grew by 20,000 res- idents for a total population of 128,661, according to the census data. Boyd highlighted that recent developments are expected to contribute substantially to the population, prompting a critical examination of infrastructure needs. Boyd said population projec- tions suggest the city could see tens of thousands more residents. Reviewing those projections is key so infrastructure planning can meet long-term demands as full build-out of developments is realized, Boyd said.

New Braunfels population from 2019-2022

“The projects that we’ve done from an infrastructure perspective, as well as the water supply that we’ve acquired over the last decade, we’re set up well for the growth.” RYAN KELSO, NBU CEO “The biggest thing that people need to understand about county government is that we have very limited authority. ... We can only do what the state Legislature allows us to do.” ROBERT BOYD, COMAL COUNTY ENGINEER

78130 78132

128,661

150K

120,985

113,154

120K

108,387

90K

60K

30K

2019 2020 2021

2022

“Whether it is traffic improvement throughout New Braunfels, off-site water or sewer lines, 480 acres of parkland, or a regional dam,

SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAUCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Veramendi accepts the responsibility of growth and in every way.” GARRETT MECHLER, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS FOR ASA PROPERTIES

The conditions

entities like Green Valley Special Utility District and Texas Water Co., which are more depen- dent on aquifers. Both Green Valley Special Utility District and Texas Water Co. are also facing drought challenges, with Green Valley under Stage 2 restrictions and Texas Water Co. under Stage 4 restrictions. Texas Water Co. implemented Stage 4 after water consumption exceeded 85% of production capacity. “Maintaining aordability is probably going to be the biggest challenge,” Kelso said.

NBU currently reports its water supply is more than 50,000 acre-feet of water, NBU CEO Ryan Kelso said. Projections indicate NBU can adequately support growth well into the 2050s and 2060s. New Braunfels Utilities is currently operating under Stage 2 water restrictions, allowing res- idents to water once a week. Kelso noted that the utility’s diversied water sources, which include surface water as well as the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, enable them to manage drought conditions more exibly compared to

What to expect

As New Braunfels approaches full build- out, the balance between growth and infrastructure sustainability will be pivotal. Mechler said Veramendi has adopted native landscaping practices throughout the community to reduce water usage. With proactive planning and collaboration among developers, city ocials and utility providers, there is potential for a sustainable future. “Roadway networks and water are the two biggest challenges we’ll continue to face, but we’ll enforce what we can enforce and continue to do that,” Boyd said.

Green Valley Special Utility District

New Braunfels Utilities

Texas Water Co.

Drought Stage 2

Drought Stage 4

Triggering conditions: • Edwards Aquifer 10-day average drops below 650 feet. • Daily water usage exceeds 85% of production capacity.

Triggering conditions: • Water consumption exceeds 85% of maximum production capacity averaged over three consecutive days. • U.S. Drought Monitor declares Exceptional Drought conditions for Comal County.

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION