Mary Rhodes Pipeline Leak, Water Odor Update

City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Corpus Christi Water crews continued working around the clock Sunday to address a leak on the Mary Rhodes Pipeline near Highways 77 and 239, south of the San Antonio River, while the utility also provided an update on recent earthy or musty tastes and odors reported by some customers.

The leak was detected on the 101-mile Mary Rhodes Pipeline, which transports water from Lake Texana to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. The leak is located approximately halfway along the pipeline.

Corpus Christi Water crews and contractors have been working to determine the extent of the problem. Crews have made progress dewatering both the project site and the pipeline. Once the excavation around the 64-inch pipeline is determined to be safe to enter, crews will be able to assess the damage and begin repair operations.

The Mary Rhodes Pipeline remains offline while repairs are underway.

To maintain the water supply, Corpus Christi Water has increased production from the Nueces Groundwater Wells and increased water releases from Wesley Seale Dam to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant. As a result, residents may notice increased flow in the Nueces River and higher water levels during the repair period.

Corpus Christi Water also provided an update regarding an earthy or musty taste and odor that some customers have experienced in their tap water.

According to CCW, increased levels of naturally occurring organic material from western reservoirs were transported through the Nueces River to the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant last week. The organic compounds were identified as the source of the taste and odor.

As of last Thursday afternoon, compounds associated with the taste and odor were no longer detected in the source water entering the treatment plant. However, the compounds are continuing to move through the water distribution system, meaning some residents may continue to notice the taste or odor in their tap water until the system has fully cleared.

Most areas were expected to see improvement by early this week, although some residential areas could experience lingering effects for a longer period. CCW said water movement through the distribution system is affected by customer demand and varying flow patterns.

Normally, flushing the water system would be used to help address taste and odor concerns. However, CCW said flushing is not considered prudent while the Mary Rhodes Pipeline repairs are underway.

Corpus Christi Water first issued a release about the water taste and odor concerns on September 16.

CCW said it continues to monitor water quality at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant and throughout the distribution system.

Customers with water quality concerns can call 3-1-1. After normal business hours, callers should follow the instructions provided in the automated message.