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. More information on the EAHCP can be found at www.nbtexas.org/eahcp.
• 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). More information on the Dry Comal Creek and Comal River WPP can be found at www.nbtexas.org/wpp

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%

River Activity Fee ($2 to TUBE)

In 2016, the New Braunfels City Council approved a recommendation from the River Advisory Committee to implement a revised River Management Fee for visitors to the New Braunfels rivers during the summer season. At the same time, a Resident River Pass was approved that allows New Braunfels residents to tube without paying the River Management Fee. The $2 fee per tuber was designed to off-set the cost to the City from river trash pick-up, maintenance and public safety measures by police officers and park rangers.

Dos Rios Watershed Clean-ups 

Each summer more than 2,500 lbs. of trash is collected by volunteers at one clean-up event. 

For 2020, the Dos Rios Watershed Clean-up ran throughout the month of October. Participants chose their own cleanup locations and helped to collect as much litter as possible within our local watersheds. “We believe the 2020 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 Coordinator 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

More ways to help

• Protect native and protected species by staying out of the Comal Springs in Landa Park.
• Protect native plant and wildlife! Get in and out of the river only at designated river access parks.
• Help keep our river clean. Secure your gear to avoid losing personal items and do not bring disposable containers in the river.
• Do not feed the wildlife.

Daily Springflow & Aquifer Conditions