It was determined that the Guadalupe River does not have sufficient capacity to carry the 100-year flows it was originally designed for. The stretch of creek without sufficient capacity is between Tasman Drive and Interstate 880.

The primary problem with the Guadalupe River in 2026—particularly the popular "tubing" stretches near New Braunfels, Texas—is a combination of severe overcrowding and environmental degradation. The river has faced recurring "low-flow" issues due to persistent droughts in Central Texas, which makes the water shallow and sluggish, leading to higher concentrations of bacteria like E. coli from human and animal waste. Additionally, the "Can Ban" (anti-littering laws) remains a point of high tension between local residents and tourists. In 2026, the river also faces an "invasive species" crisis, with non-native plants and snails threatening the native ecosystem. For travelers, the "problem" is often the strict enforcement of "no-alcohol" zones and the heavy crowds on holiday weekends, which can turn a relaxing float into a chaotic and heavily policed experience. Conservation groups in 2026 are actively lobbying for stricter "daily floater caps" to protect the river's long-term health.