Morningside Trails Watering Rules: What New Braunfels Utilities Stage 2 Drought Restrictions Mean for Residents
For families in Morningside Trails, every gallon of water conserved today helps protect the long-term reliability of New Braunfels' water supply tomorrow.
While recent rainfall has brought some welcome relief across the region, New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) remains under Stage 2 Drought Restrictions, requiring customers—including residents of Morningside Trails—to continue following specific outdoor watering schedules designed to preserve critical water resources.
The restrictions are part of NBU's ongoing drought management strategy, which balances the community's water needs with the protection of the Edwards Aquifer, Comal Springs, and the Guadalupe River system that are vital to New Braunfels' economy, environment, and quality of life.
What Stage 2 Water Restrictions Mean for Morningside Trails
Under Stage 2 restrictions, automatic sprinkler systems and irrigation systems may only be used one day per week based on the last digit of a property's address. Watering must occur before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Know Your Assigned Watering Day
| Last Digit of Address | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday |
| 8 or 9 | Friday |
Residents may still water with a handheld hose, bucket, drip irrigation system, or soaker hose that does not spray water into the air on any day, provided watering occurs before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Why Is New Braunfels Still in Stage 2?
NBU's drought stages are not determined solely by local rainfall. Water levels in the Edwards Aquifer and flow rates at Comal Springs are among the primary indicators used to determine drought conditions.
City officials moved New Braunfels out of Stage 3 restrictions after aquifer levels and spring flows improved, but conditions remain within the range that requires water conservation measures. NBU continually monitors groundwater levels, spring flows, weather forecasts, and overall system demand to determine when restrictions can be adjusted.
Although rain has fallen in portions of the region, water managers note that where the rain falls matters. Rain over the Hill Country recharge zone can help replenish water supplies, while rain falling elsewhere may have little impact on aquifer recovery.
What Counts as a Water Waste Violation?
Residents should be aware that water waste remains prohibited during drought restrictions. Violations can include:
- Allowing water to run into streets or other impervious surfaces
- Failing to repair controllable leaks on private property
- Watering during rainfall or high winds
- Using hoses or pressure washers on driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces during drought stages unless needed for public health or safety reasons
- Washing vehicles without an automatic shut-off nozzle
These measures help ensure that conserved water is not lost through unnecessary use.
Car Washing and Foundation Watering Rules
Under Stage 2 restrictions, residents may wash vehicles at home only on their assigned watering day and during approved watering hours. Vehicles must be washed over a pervious surface using a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle or with a bucket.
Foundation watering is permitted during drought restrictions for up to two hours on any day using a soaker hose, drip irrigation, or handheld hose placed within 24 inches of the home's foundation.
Simple Ways Morningside Trails Residents Can Save Water
Even small changes can make a significant difference. NBU notes that water conservation can help lower utility bills while preserving local resources. According to NBU's conservation guidance, families can save substantial amounts of water by making a few simple adjustments at home and outdoors.
Helpful conservation tips include:
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Running dishwashers only when fully loaded
- Turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving
- Using drought-tolerant landscaping
- Setting sprinklers to water lawns rather than sidewalks and driveways
- Avoiding watering on windy days
- Collecting rainwater with rain barrels or cisterns for landscape use
NBU estimates that practicing water-saving habits can help a family of four save up to 25,000 gallons of water annually.
What Happens Next?
Drought restrictions are not automatically lifted after a single rain event. NBU evaluates water conditions over time and generally considers ending a drought stage only after trigger levels remain above the required thresholds for at least 15 consecutive days.
For now, Morningside Trails residents can play an important role by following watering schedules, preventing water waste, and adopting conservation practices that help protect New Braunfels' water future.
As New Braunfels continues to grow, responsible water use remains one of the most important ways residents can help ensure reliable service, healthy spring flows, and sustainable resources for future generations.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for updates on New Braunfels Utilities, drought conditions, water conservation programs, and other important information affecting Morningside Trails residents.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
