If you are considering retirement in New Braunfels: or already enjoying mornings with coffee in the backyard: water conservation rules are worth understanding. They can affect when your sprinkler runs, how you care for a foundation, and what questions to ask before buying a Hill Country home.
The important headline is this: New Braunfels Utilities moved to Conservation Stage 1 on July 28, 2026, but the city moved to Conservation Stage 2 effective August 10, 2026. As of September 2, 2026, NBU’s Current Conservation Stage page lists Stage 2.
Rules can change as water conditions improve or decline, so always verify the latest requirements directly with NBU before watering.
What caused the move to Stage 1: and then Stage 2?
New Braunfels’ conservation stages are tied to local water-supply conditions, especially the Edwards Aquifer and Comal Springs.
The Edwards Aquifer is an important regional groundwater source. Comal Springs, one of the area’s defining natural features, is fed by the aquifer. When aquifer levels or spring flows decline, the community’s water-use rules can become more restrictive.
On July 28, NBU announced a move to Stage 1 after improved supply indicators. The announcement reported 10-day averages of:
- 651.7 feet above mean sea level at the J-17 Edwards Aquifer monitoring well
- 215 cubic feet per second at Comal Springs
NBU described Stage 1 as a response to improving conditions while still encouraging year-round conservation. As the July 28 announcement explained, “responsible water use remains an important part of protecting New Braunfels’ water future.”
Conditions then worsened enough for New Braunfels to move to Stage 2 on August 10. According to NBU, Stage 2 may be implemented when the 10-day rolling average reaches 650 feet or lower at J-17 or 200 cubic feet per second or lower at Comal Springs, whichever occurs first, subject to the city’s process.
In plain English: the rules respond to measurable conditions: not just whether the lawn looks thirsty.
The once-a-week irrigation schedule
Under the current Stage 2 rules, landscape watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler is limited to once per week. Your assigned day depends on the last digit of the property’s service address:
| Last digit of service address | Irrigation day |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday |
| 8 or 9 | Friday |
Irrigation is allowed only:
- Before 10 a.m.
- After 8 p.m.
That applies to automatic irrigation systems and sprinklers. If you are moving into a new home, ask whether the irrigation controller has already been programmed for the correct day and time. A surprisingly large number of “mysterious” watering problems are simply old settings hiding in a utility box.
It is also a good idea to confirm which address is used if you live in a townhome, condominium, or community with shared irrigation. An HOA or property manager may control the system, and community rules may add another layer of scheduling.
What about a hose, bucket, drip line, or soaker hose?
Stage 2 still allows several targeted watering methods on any day, but they must be used during the permitted time windows.
NBU allows:
- A handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle
- A bucket
- A drip irrigation system
- A soaker hose that does not spray water into the air
These methods are allowed before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
The distinction is practical. A sprinkler system distributes water broadly, while a bucket, handheld hose, drip line, or non-spraying soaker hose can direct water more precisely. If a potted plant needs attention on a non-irrigation day, a bucket or appropriate handheld method may be permitted: but the time window still matters under Stage 2.
The July Stage 1 announcement was more flexible for these methods, allowing them any day and at any time. Stage 2 tightened the timing, which is one reason it is important not to rely on an older article, neighborhood post, or screenshot.
Foundation watering has a special allowance
Texas homes and foundations have a complicated relationship with dry conditions. Soil movement can create concerns around slabs and foundation areas, particularly during extended drought.
Under current Stage 2 guidance, foundations may be watered for up to two hours on any day during permitted watering times. NBU specifies handheld hoses, soaker hoses, or drip systems placed within 24 inches of the foundation, provided the equipment does not spray water above the ground.
This is not a substitute for professional inspection or structural advice. If you have concerns about movement, cracking, drainage, or foundation performance, consult an appropriately qualified professional rather than trying to solve the issue with extra watering.
Decorative fountains and waterfalls remain restricted
Outdoor decorative fountains and waterfalls that use potable water remain prohibited under the current conservation rules.
The exception is for features that operate entirely with reclaimed water.
That means a fountain beside a patio, courtyard, or retirement home should not be treated as automatically exempt simply because it is small or recirculates water. If it uses potable water, it may not be allowed during the current stage.
If a water feature is part of a home you are considering, ask:
- What kind of water does it use?
- Is the system connected to reclaimed water?
- Who maintains it?
- Are there operating instructions or community restrictions?
A quiet courtyard fountain can be lovely. An avoidable compliance headache is less lovely: especially before the first cup of coffee.
Water waste is prohibited year-round
Some conservation requirements apply only during a declared stage. The prohibition on water waste is different: NBU prohibits water waste year-round.
Examples can include:
- Allowing water to run into a street or gutter
- Operating irrigation outside permitted days or hours
- Failing to repair controllable leaks
- Using water unnecessarily or in a way that creates avoidable runoff
A broken sprinkler head can turn a tidy garden into a miniature municipal project. Check irrigation heads periodically, especially after landscaping work, utility work, or a lawn service visit.
Inside the home, keep an eye out for running toilets, dripping faucets, leaking outdoor spigots, and irrigation leaks. NBU’s water conservation resources provide additional information about efficient water use and irrigation.
A simple checklist for New Braunfels homeowners
Whether you are downsizing, building a custom Hill Country home, or purchasing a property near town, add these questions to your moving checklist:
- What is the last digit of the service address?
- Which day is the property’s assigned irrigation day?
- Is the irrigation controller programmed for the current schedule?
- Does the system have rain or moisture sensors?
- Are there visible leaks or runoff problems?
- Does the property include a fountain or waterfall?
- If so, does it use potable or reclaimed water?
- Who is responsible for irrigation in an HOA or shared community?
- Are foundation-watering instructions available?
- Where can you find the latest NBU conservation-stage notice?
Water rules can also be part of broader home due diligence. When comparing homes, consider not just the floor plan and view, but also irrigation complexity, maintenance responsibilities, utility systems, and community guidelines. A retirement home should support the lifestyle you want: not require you to become a part-time sprinkler technician.
For related relocation ideas, explore our guides to adapting to New Braunfels’ pace of life and retirement-friendly housing options.
Where to check the latest rules
Conservation stages can change quickly. The most reliable place to check the current requirements is NBU’s Current Conservation Stage page. You can also review NBU’s Stage 2 announcement and the City of New Braunfels Code of Ordinances.
This article is intended to help residents interpret the rules in everyday terms. It is not legal advice, and it should not replace the current instructions from NBU, the city, your HOA, or a qualified professional.
If you are planning a move, water conservation is one small: but meaningful: part of understanding life in the Texas Hill Country. New Braunfels offers springs, shaded streets, lively neighborhoods, and a slower rhythm. Living well here also means respecting the natural systems that make the community special.
Schedule a private meeting with a fiduciary financial advisor today by calling (512) 593-8380 or by visiting: https://calendly.com/portafoliocapital/15min
Portafolio Capital Management dba Mau Sanchez Capital is a Registered Investment Adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Advisory services are provided only pursuant to a written advisory agreement.
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