Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
A resilient water supply
NBU has added a new water resource obtained from the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer as of July 2024. The addition of this water source represents our commitment to proactive water management for the needs of our community both now and in the future. Benefits include increased water supply, reduced dependence on Edwards Aquifer, and drought resilience.
Groundwater from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer near Gonzales is being treated and pumped to our system from a new water treatment plant.
Our region is still in a significant drought. Additionally, our other sources of water−the Edwards Aquifer and the Guadalupe River−are being impacted and some of our water rights are being limited by the authorizing agency. NBU believes conservation of water is appropriate due to the current drought conditions.
The new water source, obtained from the Carrizo Aquifer, will complement existing supplies and provide added resilience against drought conditions and future demands. NBU will receive up to 8,000 acre-feet per year from this project, further reducing its dependence on the Edwards Aquifer. The new water source represents 16% of NBU’s total water supply.
The project is complete, with water scheduled to integrate in to NBU’s water system in late July, adding an additional 8,000 acre-feet of water supply each year, thereafter.
We have introduced a new water source which may bring different tastes and odors than you are used to, but please know that the water has been fully tested and meets all state requirements.
The chlorine residual is measured constantly with an analyzer unit to ensure adequate levels of disinfectant are present. Additionally, bacteriological samples are collected throughout the system each month to ensure our water is safe.
Please feel free to call one of our lab techs at 830-608-8901. They would be happy to discuss any concerns with the water being distributed to your home, and any testing requests.
This water supply is a long-term investment into NBU’s water supply well into the future. At this time, the current water demand on our system will not fully utilize the entire 8,000 ac-ft. We’ve entered a water-sharing agreement with GBRA to resell up to 4,000 ac-ft to other water suppliers who have a greater need for the water presently. The agreement will expire at the end of 2028 and the entire 4,000 ac-ft will return to NBU for use.
No. This project was more about diversifying our water sources to bring enhanced reliability to our water system. This does not affect current rates.
There will not be an option to opt-out of this new water source, as it is simply a new source of water for our water system.
Not currently, but NBU is always looking at long term growth of our community and other water sources to secure diversification of our water supply.
The answer to this question is a bit more complex than a “yes” or “no.” There will not be a new added fee. As we start receiving the water, NBU will have to pay for it based on the volume it receives. That charge rolls into the water supply fee, so that fee may increase after FY25. For now, it will remain set for both FY24 and FY25 at $1.84 per thousand gallons.