Proposed Drought Contingency Plan
Protecting Our Water Supply | New Braunfels Utilities
What it is and who it affects
The Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) proposal simplifies how drought stages work and ensures pricing measures only apply during the most severe conditions (Stage 3 and above). We are updating our plan to more closely align with regional water rules and protect long-term supply. This does not mean we are running out of water.
Customers using less than 6,000 gallons of household water per month (average use) will never be affected by drought surcharges under the proposal. Additionally, surcharges are only geared towards high-use irrigators.
What You Need to Know And Do
Clear Drought Triggers and Regional Alignment
New Braunfels continues to grow, and drought conditions across Texas are becoming more severe and unpredictable. This proposed update ensures the Drought Contingency Plan:
Here’s what is changing:
- The plan adds Stage 4 and Stage 5 to create defined strategies for worst-case scenarios
- The plan adds expanded operational flexibility to respond to broader drought conditions
- The plan adds updated surcharge amounts during severe drought Stages (3-4) – from $1.00/$2.00 per thousand gallons to $4.18/$4.89 per thousand gallons
Note: Triggers are flexible and clearly defined to address diverse and evolving drought conditions, ensuring proactive response.
Does this affect me?
For most customers: not right now, and possibly not at all.
If you use less than 6,000 gallons/month:
- You are fully protected
- You will not pay any drought surcharges
- Nothing changes for your bill
About 73% of customers won’t be impacted, and there will be no changes unless we reach severe drought conditions.
When would this affect me?
High water-use customers (irrigation) above 6,000 gallons/month will only be affcted during severe or extreme drought (Stages 3–5)
- Stages 0–2 → No surcharges
- Stages 3–5 → Surcharges may apply
When drought conditions improve, all surcharges automatically end. We are currently in Stage 2, to learn more, click the button below:
What does the surcharge mean for my bill?
A drought surcharge is a temporary charge applied during declared severe drought Stages (3–5) to higher water use. Essential indoor water use is protected, and the surcharge automatically ends when drought conditions improve.
|
Modernizing the Surcharge Structure |
Old Plan (2014) |
Proposed New Plan (2026) |
|
Thresholds |
7,500 and 15,000 gal. |
6,000 and 12,000 gal. (matches rate tiers) |
|
Stage 3 Surcharge |
$1 per 1,000 gal. |
$4.18 per 1,000 gal. |
|
Stage 4 Surcharge |
$2 per 1,000 gal. |
$4.89 per 1,000 gal. |
|
Stage 5 Surcharge |
Undefined |
$4.89 per 1,000 gal. (starting at 6,000) |
Timeline
If approved by the New Braunfels City Council on August 24, the updated plan would take effect Fall 2026. Any additional revenue generated during severe drought stages would be reinvested into conservation programs and customer billing assistance — helping support responsible water use while keeping our community resilient.
