Lake Levels Drop Below 20% Capacity
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) – Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni announced that Stage 3 water restrictions are now in effect. The City’s Drought Contingency Plan authorizes the City Manager to declare Stage 3 when the City’s combined lake levels drop below 20% capacity, which happened on December 11. Today, the combined levels for the City’s primary water source, Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs, is at 19.9 %.
These water restrictions apply to all Corpus Christi homeowners, apartment buildings, institutional facilities such as schools and churches, City properties, commercial businesses, and industry.
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.
For the remainder of December, warnings will be issued as needed to those not adhering to required water restrictions. Citations will begin on January 1, 2025.
The City is actively sourcing additional water through increased capacity from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and groundwater sources. The City will monitor drought conditions and combined lake levels daily and inform the public as preparations continue.
In early December, City Departments proactively began 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, there was ongoing coordination with industry representatives to ensure their partnership on conservation efforts.
Corpus Christi is the regional water provider for a seven-county region. Cities served by the Corpus Christi will enact similar conservation measures under their drought contingency plans.
“I want to thank the community for their understanding and cooperation during this critical time,” City Manager Peter Zanoni said. “Every drop counts. Let’s work together to protect our most vital resource and ensure a stable water future for Corpus Christi.”
To learn more about Stage 3 water restrictions and frequently asked questions, visit stage3.cctexas.com.
