Severe Drought Conditions Expected to Continue

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The National Weather Service continues to predict above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall in the coming months. The Coastal Bend remains under severe drought conditions, which affect the watershed for Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs, a primary water source for Corpus Christi Water.

Based on modeling projections, combined lake levels will soon drop below 20% capacity, moving the City towards Stage 3 water restrictions. In advance of this unprecedented event, the City has already begun reducing its use of water by stopping or reducing non-essential outside landscape irrigation at City facility grounds, including park irrigation, fountain operations, and facility pressure washing. Additional areas for reduction are also being evaluated.

Aligned with guidance provided in the City's Drought Contingency Plan, the City has a three-step plan as follows:

1. Expand Water Resources: The City is actively sourcing additional water through increased capacity from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and groundwater sources.
2. Monitor and Educate: The City will continue to monitor drought conditions and combined lake levels daily along with increased water supplies from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, and will inform the public about Stage 3 water restrictions.
3. Reduce Water Usage: All customer classifications will soon be asked to reduce their water consumption further, as the Stage 3 water restrictions declaration is anticipated in mid-December. In addition, ongoing coordination with industry representatives will continue to ensure their partnership on conservation efforts.

When enacted, Stage 3 water restrictions will impact:

• Irrigation: The irrigation of landscaped areas, including all outdoor watering, even with a handheld hose, will be prohibited at all times.
• Washing vehicles: The use of water to wash motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, trailers, or any other type of recreational vehicles will be prohibited.

The following water uses will continue to be permitted:

• Commercial Car Washes: Commercial car washing businesses will be allowed to continue to operate.
• Swimming Pools: Filling swimming pools is still permitted to maintain equipment. However, residents are encouraged to cover pools to prevent evaporation.
• Foundation maintenance: Watering to maintain the integrity of a building foundation is still permitted on the designated Stage 2 watering day, but it must be done by hand or drip irrigation.

When the City initiates Stage 3 water restrictions, it does not plan to implement rate surcharges to water bills as outlined in the City's Drought Contingency Plan.

For media inquiries, contact Robert Gonzales, Public Information Manager, at (361) 826-3233 or [email protected].