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New Braunfels Utilities Enhances Community Water Security with Integration of Carrizo Aquifer Water

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ragan Dickens
Chief Communications & Strategy Officer
830.629.8440| rdickens@nbutexas.com

(New Braunfels, TX – August 27, 2024) – New Braunfels Utilities’ (NBU) ceremony today marked a major milestone in regional water management by officially integrating 8,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Carrizo Aquifer into the local water supply. This achievement reflects NBU’s dedication to enhancing the community’s water resources and helping to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Today marks a significant achievement in our journey to secure a resilient and diversified water future for New Braunfels. By integrating water from the Carrizo Aquifer, we are not only expanding our resources but also helping to fortify our community against future water challenges. This project represents the power of partnerships and forward-thinking, ensuring that our customers have access to sustainable, high-quality water for generations to come. At NBU, we remain committed to innovative solutions that enhance quality of life while safeguarding our precious natural resources,” said Ryan Kelso, New Braunfels Utilities CEO.

The ribbon-cutting brought together local officials, NBU leadership, and community members at the NBU Service Center. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the project’s impact on the community’s water security and participated in a water tasting of the newly integrated supply.

The event highlighted the importance of this new water source in meeting the growing needs of New Braunfels and surrounding areas. The water source will complement existing supplies and provide added resilience against drought conditions and future demands, while reducing dependence on other water sources. For the community, it will enhance quality of life by helping protect natural resources and support the long-term legacy of water supply management.

This project was made possible through a partnership formed in 2018 between NBU, the Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA), and the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA). The effort involved multiple regional partners, including the cities of San Marcos, Kyle, Lockhart, and Buda; the Canyon Regional Water Authority; and Goforth Special Utility District. The project encompasses the development of well fields, extensive transmission pipelines, and state-of-the-art treatment facilities designed to deliver high-quality water to communities.

“We are proud of the collaborative work between entities who have developed this regional water supply project. Working together on projects like this one, allows NBU and the other partners to diversify their water portfolios, share costs, and provides greater resiliency to handle droughts, growth, and emergency situations,” said GBRA’s General Manager Darrell Nichols.

Key benefits of the new water source include:

Drought Resilience: As a “firm” water supply (not subject to the same reductions during droughts as other sources), the Carrizo Aquifer remains dependable even in dry conditions, ensuring the community’s water needs are met consistently.

Increased Water Supply: The addition of 8,000 acre-feet from the Carrizo Aquifer raises NBU’s total annual water capacity to 50,375 acre-feet—three times the current water consumption of New Braunfels residents. 

Reduced Reliance on other water sources: By diversifying, NBU can reduce its dependence on other water sources, particularly during droughts when restrictions on pumping are common.

Event Photos

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About New Braunfels Utilities:
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is a nonprofit, community-owned provider of electric, water and wastewater services. NBU strives to be a trusted community partner with a mission of providing resilient essential services to over 60,000 customers. Utility revenues are continually invested back into the very systems that provide electricity and water to our customers’ homes and businesses. Additionally, New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police and city parks. NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the mayor and four appointed residents. Visit nbutexas.com to learn more about our services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas.