Stage 3 Water Restrictions Likely by Summer
City of Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – During the City’s weekly briefing from the National Weather Service, City officials were informed of worsening drought conditions affecting the watershed for Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs.
The current combined lake levels are at 27.6%, which is 0.6% less than last week. The gauges used to measure rainfall in our watershed (Cotulla, Three Rivers, and Mathis) historically average 1.63 inches of rainfall for the month of April. As of April 30, the gauges have recorded an average of only 1.16 inches of rainfall for April.
With increasing temperatures and very little rain predicted, an increase in evaporative loss is likely, contributing to decreasing levels at Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon. Based on modeling projections, combined lake levels may drop to 20% by mid-August. When lake levels reach 20%, the City will enter Stage 3 water restrictions.
Historically, our watershed requires intense rain to replenish the supplies needed to maintain the reservoir levels. The last significant rain event occurred in August 2022, which produced approximately nine inches of rain over several days. Based on historical data, it will take a 12-inch or greater rainfall event in the watershed to provide the relief needed to boost the water supplies to levels that will rescind water restrictions.
