NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — New Braunfels is one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, and the city's water supply and demand is increasing.

"So because of that growth, it's put strains on our infrastructure," New Braunfels Utilities CEO Ian Taylor said. "We have plans in order to build capacity in order to meet those needs, not just now but assuming the growth continues the rate that it's been," Taylor said.

One facility that will be expanded is the surface water treatment plant. It will be doubled in size. Back in 1991, the utility reduced its reliance on the Edwards Aquifer by diversifying supply, and building the first surface water treatment plant over the Edwards. It currently pumps water from the Guadalupe River.

"We plan to expand its capacity as part of our water resources plan in order to meet the water needs of the community over the years," Taylor said. 

Currently, the plant can pump out 8 million gallons of water daily from the Guadalupe River. Utility managers plan to invest in expanding it to 16 million gallons.

"We used to make investments of about $75 million over the course of five years to keep up with growth. We're at a point now where we need to make investments on the order of $500 million over five years," Taylor said.

Even with the investments, the utility said the city's electric, sewer and water rates will still be among the lowest in the country.

"It's great, because not only does it help the folks who are already here, but it helps attract new business," Taylor said. "Maybe it's a large consumer of water or electricity, when they're looking at different sites for locating their business they can look at New Braunfels and look at those rates and how it'll impact their bottom line."

The Surface Water Treatment Plant is slated for expansion design to begin within five years. Taylor said other NBU facilities' infrastructure is currently in motion, with more plans on the horizon.