Central Texas is in a multi-year drought. To help protect our shared water resource, GBRA is updating its rate structure to encourage conservation and give every customer direct control over their bill.
Our Water. Our Responsibility.
First Adjusted Bill
May Billing Cycle
For Customers In:
Comal Trace | Cordillera Ranch | Johnson Ranch
The Situation
What Drought Means for Your Water
Canyon Reservoir was built for dry periods like this. It’s designed to be there for the communities that depend on it when they need it. But the longevity of that supply depends largely on how wisely it’s used.
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority’s (GBRA) updated rate structure is not a routine adjustment. It’s a conservation-signaling tool designed so that the more water you use, the more you pay. That means every customer has real control over how much they pay.
What’s Changing
The New Rate Structure, Explained
This is not a flat rate increase. Water is now billed starting at the first gallon, with the lowest rate applying to the first 8,000 gallons each billing cycle. Costs increase progressively as usage climbs. putting the higher burden on higher, largely optional, outdoor use.
What does this mean for my bill?
If you use 2,000 gallons per month with a standard 5/8” meter, your bill increases by approximately $3.20/month. Most typical indoor household use — showers, cooking, laundry — falls within the lowest-cost tier.
The big driver of higher bills: Outdoor irrigation. Usage above 10,000 gallons per billing cycle is most often irrigation. Adjusting and reducing your watering schedule are the most effective actions.
Rate Calculator
Calculating your water bill can help you make informed decisions about your consumption habits. The rate calculator estimates your residential utility costs based on your projected use, for the standard 5/8” meter.
The rate calculator is intuitive; simply enter water usage amounts to calculate costs. Having a copy of your recent bill may be helpful. The base rate and tiered water rates, effective May 2026, will be calculated automatically.
Commercial customer bill estimates are available by calling 830.379.5822.
Water Rate Calculator
Take Action
Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact
You control how the rate structure affects you. Outdoor irrigation is typically the biggest driver of monthly usage above 10,000 gallons. It is also the easiest place to make a meaningful difference.
Irrigation and Outdoor Watering
The single biggest opportunity to reduce usage and bill impact.
- Follow your community’s Drought Contingency Plan watering schedule
- Adjust irrigation system to water before sunrise only
- Check sprinkler heads for leaks, overspray, or broken heads
- Skip a cycle after rainfall — your lawn doesn’t need it
- Reduce watering frequency, not just duration
Check for Hidden Usage
High bills aren’t always about watering. Know where your water is going.
- Check your water meter after turning everything off — movement means a leak
- Review your water softener regeneration settings and schedule
- Inspect auto pool fillers — they can run constantly without being noticed
- Look for running toilets or dripping faucets indoors
Know Your Usage
Understanding where you are in the tiers gives you control.
- Find your monthly usage on your current water bill
- Compare usage month over month — look for unexplained spikes
- If usage seems unusually high, check for leaks before the next billing cycle
- Call GBRA Customer Service with any questions at (830) 379-5822.
Know Your Community’s Current Drought Stage
Drought Contingency Plan — Active
Watering restrictions are in effect for your community. Know your current drought stage and what it requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does this take effect?
The updated structure begins in April and will appear on the May bills.
Is this a flat rate increase?
No. This is a tiered rate structure with cost per 1,000 gallons, increasing at higher usage levels. Your bill depends entirely on how much water you use. You are in full control.
Where does “higher usage” begin?
The cost per 1,000 gallons increases progressively as usage moves into higher tiers.
Where can I find my current water usage?
You can find your monthly water usage on your water bill and through the online payment portal. To access usage history, log in to the payment portal at https://gbra.epayub.com/ using your account number. Once logged in, your usage history is available by selecting “Water” from the drop-down menu on the usage history bar chart in the center of the page.
Why is the rate structure changing?
Ongoing drought conditions continue to reinforce the importance of conserving water. Water is a valuable, essential resource, and the updated rate structure encourages responsible use with increased pricing signals as usage increases.
Does this mean these neighborhoods are running out of water?
This update is about protecting valuable water resources. Canyon Reservoir continues to serve its intended role in regional water supply during drought, and this rate structure supports long-term conservation by encouraging responsible use. The goal is to ensure water remains available and reliable by placing greater emphasis on usage, especially at higher volumes.
Wouldn’t a flat rate increase have been easier?
The updated, conservation-based rate structure is designed to encourage responsible water use by applying increasingly higher costs at higher usage levels. This approach supports good conservation habits while helping keep essential indoor use in lower tiers and giving customers more control over their bill, based on how much water they use.
Which communities are affected?
This tiered rate structure update applies to approximately 1,500 residential customers in Comal Trace, Cordillera Ranch, and Johnson Ranch subdivisions — the communities served by GBRA’s retail water service from Canyon Reservoir.
What’s the most effective thing I can do to lower my bill?
Reduce outdoor irrigation. Usage above 10,000 gallons per billing cycle is most commonly driven by outdoor watering. Adjusting your irrigation schedule, fixing sprinkler leaks, and turning off auto pool fillers when not needed are the highest-impact actions. Follow your community’s Drought Contingency Plan watering schedule as the baseline.
Who do I contact with billing questions?
Contact GBRA Customer Service at (830) 379-5822 or visit the payment portal at https://gbra.epayub.com and use your account number.
Questions? We’re here for you.
Give us a call at (830) 379-5822 if you need additional information.