In spite of recent heavy rains, Boerne officials are assuring residents the city’s dam on Cibolo Creek in River Road Park is not cracking and remains sound.
However, storms the past few days still have not relieved drought conditions and officials are noting a “drop in water levels.”
“The city is working to evaluate next steps to reduce water fluctuations.”
— Chris Shadrock, Boerne spokesman
Though there are a handful of dams locally on the creek, the one raising eyebrows is found at the east end of River Road Park in downtown Boerne and is part of the town’s picturesque waterfront.
In response to concerns, city spokesman Chris Shadrock released a statement: “There is no break in the dam. It remains in good overall structural condition, which was confirmed in 2025 by an inspection with a third-party engineering firm. Following recent rain events, city staff observed a drop in water levels, and it is believed there are several factors playing a role in the fluctuation.”
According to Shadrock, those include:
• Ongoing drought conditions
• Changes in creek capacity after sediment removal and natural groundwater interaction
• Some subsurface seepage occurring under portions of the dam
The seepage, Shadrock said, is “not uncommon given the dam’s age and original 1800s limestone construction. The city is working to evaluate next steps to reduce water fluctuations.”
Salvador Dobbs owner Veronica Brown said she remains concerned.
“I have a rain gauge at my bar,” Brown said. “When we (Boerne) received heavy rain, I was excited because I really wanted to see how fast it would fill this creek because it has been empty forever.”
In past few years, the city has allocated millions of dollars for renovations at River Road Park, which includes Cibolo Creek — a popular attraction.
Brown worries the drought could have an impact on tourism.
“There used to be a rope swing I would swing on as a child,” she said. “I’m passionate about this creek because it’s literally my front view of my bar.”
Browns’ rain gauge recorded a swift 14-inch drop after the heavy rainfall. She went to social media to see other residents weigh in – but it quickly became a blame-game.
Some of the posters pointed fingers at city officials and Parks & Recreation, but Brown said that is not helping the situation.
“I’ve said before, I don’t care who is at fault,” she said. “I just want to know if there is any issue.”
For more on the water conditions, visit boerne-water-dashboard. com.
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