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River Operations
Overview
New Braunfels Parks & Recreation and the City of New Braunfels are committed to sustainability and river stewardship. Vegetation and wildlife are integral to parks along the Comal Springs. With approximately a quarter million river users each summer, everyone has a role in maintaining the Comal Springs and River as a special place for the next generation.
- The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers are two natural waterways that flow through New Braunfels, TX.
- At approx. 2.5 miles long, the Comal River is the shortest navigable river in Texas. The Comal River begins at the Comal Springs that issue from the Edwards Aquifer.
- The Comal River system is home to several federally-listed endangered species. The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP) is a regional effort to protect endangered species habitat and includes measures to protect springflow and restore habitat.
- The City and local project partners are currently taking action to preserve and protect the quality of the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River through the implementation of a Watershed Protection Plan (WPP).
River Flow
See the latest River Flow for the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers in and around New Braunfels, courtesy of the Comal County Engineer's Office:
Get Involved
Help the City of New Braunfels preserve and protect our local waterways! Get in and out of the river only at designated river access parks and do not get in the water near the Comal Springs in Landa Park. This helps prevent ecological damage to native and protected plant and wildlife species. Secure your gear to avoid losing personal items in the water and do not bring disposable containers in the river! And please remember: Do not feed the wildlife! Here are some ways you can get involved in keeping our rivers clean!
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Adopt A Spot - Rivers
Learn how you or your organization can adopt a section of river for future river clean-ups.
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River Clean Up Report
Use this easy online form to tell us all about your river clean up experience, including how much trash or recyclables were collected.
Dos Rios River Clean-up
For 2023, 288 volunteers participated in the 7th annual event and removed 1,120 pounds of trash from our local riparian areas and waterways. Participants chose their own cleanup locations and helped to collect as much litter as possible within our local watersheds. “We believe the 2022 Dos Rios Watershed Cleanup event was a huge success in helping to minimize the amount of litter that is found within our local watersheds and waterways. There was an extraordinary level of participation in the event from individuals, families and civic organizations, all who helped to preserve and protect our local rivers and creeks.” said New Braunfels Watershed Supervisor Phillip Quast. Help keep the Comal River clean and free from debris. Secure your belongings when tubing, do not bring disposable containers onto the river and make sure trash goes in bins while enjoying the parks. Please do your part to reduce what is left behind. Learn More About the Dos Rios River Clean-up Event
River Advisory Committee
This committee advises City Council in river-related matters and issues in the advancement of prudent river planning, activities, and programming; recommends capital improvement projects, and public information distribution. This committee meets the third Thursday of each month.
Even in drought conditions and low river flow, the 2023 River Season was resilient and had steady visitation throughout the summer months. More information is available in the 2023 End of Season presentation
Floating went green in 2018!
The City of New Braunfels passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of disposable containers on the rivers inside of the city limits. It is the goal of the city to preserve the Comal Springs for the future enjoyment of all. With an annual litter collection of over 30,000 lbs from the rivers, the city knew measures had to be taken to reduce the amount of single use containers polluting the waters each year. Since the implementation of the ban on disposable containers, litter collection has been reduced by 41%
Resources
| Parks & Recreation Administrative Office Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 830-221-4350 parks@newbraunfels.gov | River Information |
| New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 830-625-2385 tubeinnewbraunfels.com | River Information Accommodations River Outfitter Information |
| Park Rangers 830-837-0048 | On-Site Assistance |
| Parks & Recreations Operations Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 830-221-4367 parks@newbraunfels.gov | Lost & Found |
| River Operations Manager Amy Niles 830-221-4628 aniles@newbraunfels.gov | River Operations/Relations |
| Park NBTX info@parknbtx.com 830-264-2277 Problems with Park NBTX? | Paid Parking Information |
| 911 | Emergency |
| New Braunfels Police Department 830-221-4100 | Non-Emergency |