Residents in the New Braunfels area could be returning to Stage Two water restrictions as early as next week.
Stage One drought restrictions were just issued last week, which limits water use to certain days of the week according to the street address. Now, customers will need to reduce the number of hours they water.
New Braunfels Utilities spokeswoman Gretchen Reuwer says the Edwards Aquifer has dropped about a foot each day during the last few weeks of dry, hot weather, with a usage of about 18-million gallons a day.
The big difference in Stage Two is the restriction to the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. She says although not required - hand-held watering is preferred during the hottest months.
“Direct watering with a hand-held hose or a bucket or a soaker hose is much more effective and more efficient ,and in the end it’s a money-saving option for customers as well.”
For San Antonio, SAWS officials say usage is on the high side as well, but not unexpected for this time of the year. San Antonio water restrictions are triggered on a 10-day average of aquifer levels instead of a daily report.
Stage Two restrictions in New Braunfels call for watering only before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. only on your designated day of the week - and no watering with automated systems for anyone on the weekends.
