2018-2023

GBRA Headquarters Building

The GBRA New Braunfels Headquarters exemplifies the agency's commitment to resource stewardship through water quality and conservation elements

incorporated into the campus design.

Project Description

The 2018 and 2023 GBRA Strategic Plans emphasize a commitment to resource stewardship, a value which has been diligently quantified and implemented. The GBRA New Braunfels campus exemplifies this commitment through various water quality and conservation efforts. These measures align with both strategic plans by expanding data and research on nutrient removal and water quality protection, implementing a basin-wide habitat conservation plan, and enhancing operations.

Approved by the board in 2018, the New Braunfels campus was designed to accommodate GBRA's growing workforce, provide educational and demonstration spaces, while remaining fiscally responsible to rate-payers. Low-impact development (LID) features, such as native plants and rainwater cisterns, were incorporated. Additionally, a bioswale in the property’s lowest elevation area captures and filters storm water from the parking lot, reducing total suspended solids in storm water discharges. Implementation of these water-saving measures, demonstrates the ongoing dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and One Water New Braunfels.

One Water Shared Vision Elements

Plan for and manage water resources holistically and sustainably

GBRA’s rainwater catchment system was installed during construction of the building, and the two tanks have the capacity to collect 8,800 gallons combined. Rainwater collected is used to irrigate native landscaping and helps offset watering demands from other sources. Plants in the bioswale slow storm water and filter runoff from the parking lot improving water quality before it absorbs into the soil.

GBRA Engineering
GBRA Environmental Science
GBRA Community Affairs

One Water Components Incorporated

Demand Reduction

Water conservation measures: Established vegetation does not require supplemental irrigation.
Water efficiency measures: The rainwater collected is used for irrigating the landscape.
Native and/or drought-tolerant plant selection: An assortment of native plants surrounds the building including lantana, salvia, red yucca and other drought-tolerant varieties.

Water Quality Protection

Low-impact development: The bioswale in the parking lot captures and filters stormwater from the parking lot, reducing total suspended solids in stormwater discharges.