Recent rains, cooler temperatures and water conservation will soon make it possible for New Braunfels residents to use more water outside.

According to a press release from New Braunfels Utilities, the city will change the water conservation level from Stage Three to Stage Two on Monday, Sept. 24.

"While we still have a ways to go to completely recover from the impact of the drought, conditions have improved to the point that we believe a return to Stage 2 is warranted," Gretchen Reuwer, Communication Manager at NBU, said.

The return to Stage Two means that residents are allowed to use a sprinkler or irrigation system one day a week. However, according to a city ordinance, the watering must take place before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

NBU said that the water schedule is based on the last number of a residential or business address.

The watering key is as follows:

• 0 or 1: Monday
• 2 or 3: Tuesday
• 4 or 5: Wednesday
• 6 or 7: Thursday
• 8 or 9: Friday

Despite the change in water restrictions, NBU warns that residents should continue to be careful with their water use.

"We caution everyone that although the return to Stage 2 allows the use of a sprinkler or irrigation system one day a week, much of our region remains in a severe drought situation," Reuwer said. "Continued conservation is absolutely necessary in order for the aquifer to remain above the Stage 2 trigger level and avoid a return to more restrictive water use."