Combined Lake Levels Fall to 20% Capacity

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The combined levels for the City of Corpus Christ's primary water source, Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs, have reached 20% capacity. Although there is some rain in the immediate forecast, the City is notifying residents that Stage 3 of the City's Drought Contingency Plan is imminent and anticipated to be officially declared in mid-December.

Once declared, all customers should reduce their water consumption as outlined in Stage 3. For the remainder of December, warnings will be issued as needed to those not adhering to required water restrictions. Citations will begin in January.

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: Outside of commercial car washes, the use of water to wash motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, trailers, or any other type of recreational vehicle 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. To find your foundation watering day and frequently asked questions regarding Stage 3, visit stage3.cctexas.com.

The City is actively sourcing additional water through increased capacity from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and groundwater sources. The City will continue monitoring drought conditions and combined lake levels daily and will inform the public as preparations continue.

City Departments have begun reducing their water use by stopping or reducing non-essential outside landscape irrigation at City facility grounds, including park irrigation, fountain operations, and facility pressure washing. In addition, ongoing coordination with industry representatives will continue to ensure their partnership on conservation efforts.

The drought is not limited to the Coastal Bend. As of December 5, approximately 70% of the State of Texas is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, and approximately 23% is in severe drought conditions.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality lists 117 Public Water Systems across the State limiting water use to avoid water shortages and 35 that have restricted all outside watering.

For more information, visit stage3.cctexas.com.

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

Every Drop Counts, Conserve Corpus Christi