New Braunfels Prays For Rain

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas -- Like most of South Texas, New Braunfels needs rain and a lot of it to erase the effects of the two-year drought.

With little chance of rain in the forecast for the area, a group of churchgoers gathered in Main Plaza to pray for rain. As if on cue, rain drops began falling as soon as the non-denominational ceremony got under way at 5:30 p.m. It was the second time rain fell over the area Thursday, but according to New Braunfels Mayor Bruce Boyer, it's not enough.

"We need a lot more rain than this, and hopefully our prayers this afternoon will be answered and we can have some nice consistent rain and get some relief from the drought," Boyer said.

Boyer said he was asked to take part in the prayer vigil by former Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, the 10th man to walk on the moon. Duke and his wife live in New Braunfels and minister to people. They were joined by seven more local church leaders who all took turns leading the group in prayer. As the tiny rain drops hit their faces, many in the crowd looked to the sky and smiled. Boyer said he hopes it's a sign of things to come.

"It will keep the faith that maybe God's already listening. I hope so at least, but it's always good to see some rain," Boyer said. "It's been so dry, we really need it to be consistent over a good period of time."

Boyer said the drought has not impacted the city's tourism industry, saying many visitors are still coming to float on the Comal River and spend the day at the Schliterbahn water park.

For now, Boyer said the city is not in any danger of not having enough water. The city gets its drinking supply from the Guadalupe River, the Edwards Aquifer and Canyon Lake. To conserve water, residents are being asked to only water their lawns once a week and reduce any water waste.