The Comal County environment is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The most prominent environmental feature of the county is the Comal River, running straight through the city of New Braunfels.

However, these environments are not necessarily safeguarded from outside threats. This summer, the Comal River experienced unusually low flow rates that worried businesses along the river in New Braunfels. Invasive species have also started to infiltrate the county’s environment, with invasive snails, plecostomus, and koi becoming ever-growing rivals to the native species of Comal County.

When looking at the effects of these issues, it is clear that they must be handled with great caution and action. Invasive snails that enter the Comal River often carry a parasite, Haplorchis Pumilio, that significantly harms native fish in the river by infecting the fish’ organs and severely hinders their ability to swim, therefore, harshly diminishing the fish’ chances of survival while other invasive species populations can grow as a result of lack of competition.

Water levels and flow rates of the river pose a genuine risk to native plants. The Edwards Aquifer, which feeds the Comal River, is currently experiencing a near all-time low. As a result, The Comal River’s water levels have subsequently dropped, as have its flow rates diminished. Dropping water levels have a particularly negative effect on riparian plants, plant species that grow directly along the banks of water systems, as water levels dropping reduces the availability of this water to be supplied to the vegetation. 

Low flow rates, on the other hand, can hinder the transportation of sediments by the Comal River. This effect poses the risk of increasing bankside erosion and promoting soil accumulation, further reducing potential soil fertility and plant growth.

Luckily, there is action being taken against these factors. Agencies such as Comal Conservation and the Headwaters at the Comal have made extensive efforts to preserve the county’s most recognizable environmental landmark by raising millions in fundraising and organizing various cleanups of the Comal River. Despite its current troubles, it is apparent that the Comal River is in safe hands, and with enough action, still has a future for itself ahead.