New Braunfels residents are again in Stage II drought restrictions, which changes the rules for lawn and landscape watering.
New Braunfels Utilities spokeswoman Gretchen Reuwer said the hot, dry weather has resulted in a drop in the Edwards Aquifer of about one foot per day for the last few weeks, with a usage of about 18 million gallons a day.
The big difference in Stage 2 is the restriction to the early morning or late evening to avoid evaporation. Reuwer said NBU customers can continue using sprinklers or irrigation systems once a week – but only on their assigned day based on the property address, and only in the morning or late evening hours specified by Stage 2.
“And so we’re asking people to be aware of their non-essential use, and to observe the watering restrictions that we have in place. And to be aware that the times for watering are before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. That takes the watering out of the heat of the day and makes it more effective and less wasteful,” Reuwer said.
Reuwer said though not required, hand-held watering is preferred during the hottest months because it’s easier to target areas that need the water and to watch for run-off.
Under Stage 2 drought restrictions, sprinkler and irrigation systems are not allowed on the weekends.
For San Antonio residents, San Antonio Water System officials say usage is on the high side but not unexpected for this time of the year. San Antonio's water restrictions are triggered on a 10-day average of aquifer levels rather than a daily report, and officials say SAWS could go to Stage 2 before the summer is over.
