Potential Water Overflow at Saltwater Dam

City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) – Corpus Christi Water (CCW) is informing residents that the Mary Rhodes Pipeline (MRP) was temporarily shut off Monday as part of planned system adjustments in order to increase the amount of water pulled from the pipeline. This resulted in the river level lowering, which prompted dam operators to release more water to meet O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant water demands.

While the MRP has resumed operations, this could potentially lead to water flowing over the saltwater dam. Residents who observe water flowing over the saltwater dam should be aware that this is an intentional and controlled situation.

During Stage 3, water is no longer released to our bays and estuaries as part of the Agreed Order. The City allows fresh water to be “released” from Wesly Seale Dam to reach the City’s water treatment plant.

Almost all of the water consumed in the Coastal Bend comes from rivers and reservoirs that form a regional water supply system. Water stored in Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi is released as needed and flows down the Nueces River into the Calallen Pool, a shallow reservoir formed by the Calallen Saltwater Barrier Dam alongside Interstate 37.

For more information about water conservation measures during Drought Status: Stage 3, please visit https://www.stage3.cctexas.com.