Updates on Mary Rhodes Pipeline Repair

City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - Corpus Christi Water (CCW) and contracted crews are working around the clock to safely complete the repair and return the Mary Rhodes Pipeline to service.

Contracted crews successfully removed the failed section of the 64-inch MRP overnight. Yesterday morning, bedding material was added to stabilize the new section of pipe, and the new pipe was installed in the excavated trench. This afternoon, work commenced on aligning the pipe. Preparations are underway for welding of the new segment to the existing pipeline which is expected to begin this evening and continue through night. The welding is planned to be completed by this morning.

Before starting operations, the new pipeline section must undergo stress testing and receive a protective coating.
CCW and HDR, Inc., the City’s contractor, will examine the removed section as part of a failure analysis and provide analysis to CCW for review.

City Manager Visits Repair Site
City Manager Peter Zanoni visited the repair site today to review progress and thank the contractors and city teammates for their hard work. The City thanks H-E-B for donating food and drinks to support the pipeline restoration crews.

Tap Water Taste and Odor Update
CCW’s drinking water continues to meet state and federal drinking water standards. CCW continues to increase water quality testing throughout the distribution system, along with daily sampling and monitoring of source water and at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant.

The taste and odor issues are from naturally occurring algae and organic compounds found in surface water. This natural phenomenon can sometimes affect surface water when environmental conditions are favorable.
Once the MRP service resumes, water from Eastern Water Supply will blend with the existing water in the system. CCW expects this mixing will help improve the taste and odor issues.

CCW will continue to provide updates as repairs to the MRP continue and water quality improves.
Customers who continue to experience taste or odor concerns are encouraged to report them through 3-1-1.