Corpus Christi explores restrictions to address water crisis, nears Level 1 water emergency designation

Corpus Christi City Council is expected to make a final decision May 19 on whether to curtail residential and business water usage by 25% as worsening drought conditions push the area closer to emergency levels. The restrictions would affect customers across the board, from homeowners to the oil and petrochemical industries that anchor the local economy. 

The council gave initial approval to the curtailment strategy at its last meeting as the city projects it could reach a Level 1 water emergency by September. That designation means water demand could exceed available supply within 180 days.  

More than 95% of the city’s water supply comes from surface sources, primarily Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir. Even with recent rainfall, city officials said the two reservoirs remain at a combined 8.2% capacity.  

If council gives final approval, residential customers would face a new monthly baseline of 8,000 gallons. A 25% curtailment would reduce that target to 6,000 gallons per month. 

Some restrictions would be eased under the revised plan. Residents would still be allowed to wash cars and boats using a 5-gallon bucket, while commercial car washes could continue operating. City pools and splash pads would also maintain regular operating hours, though landscape irrigation restrictions would remain in place.  

Residential customers who exceed the 6,000-gallon target would face a surcharge of $4 per 1,000 gallons. That charge would double to $8 per 1,000 gallons for usage above the 8,000-gallon baseline. 

Similar surcharges would apply to commercial, large-volume and wholesale customers, though their baseline usage would be calculated using a three-year monthly average that excludes the lowest monthly use. Large industrial customers that previously paid drought insurance surcharges would also fall under the revised restrictions if approved.  

To help customers monitor consumption, the city has developed an online tracking tool that allows users to review monthly usage, daily averages and current billing cycle totals without checking their water meter. 

At the same time, Corpus Christi is pursuing longer-term water supply projects, including pipeline work connecting the Oso Water Reclamation Plant to the Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant and continued discussions surrounding desalination. 

Zanoni said while a Level 1 emergency would mark a serious escalation in the city’s drought response, officials plan to hold community workshops to address resident concerns and explain the proposed restrictions.

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