Routine testing flagged elevated arsenic levels in the water as the City works to track the source of contamination.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Elevated levels of arsenic were detected in Robstown’s water supply during a routine test, prompting officials to launch additional testing while stressing there is no immediate danger to the public.
The elevated levels were found during a quarterly sample at the City’s water treatment plant. Officials with Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 say the issue appears isolated and does not indicate a system-wide problem.
“It’s not a cause for alarm because it’s isolated,” said Marcos Alaniz with the water district. “It’s a quarterly sample, not an across-the-board situation. The best thing to do is address it as soon as it’s identified.”
Some residents say they’re not happy to hear about it — but they don’t actually drink the water.
“I don’t drink water from the faucet,” said Robstown resident Victoria Vela.
The water district is now working with a private laboratory to retest the water and identify the source of the arsenic. One possible factor under review is recent water well drilling by the City of Corpus Christi that discharges into the Nueces River.
Alaniz said changes in the river system could be contributing, though the source has not been confirmed.
Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said arsenic levels have been rising in both city lakes since at least 2024, possibly due to ongoing drought conditions.
“There’s less water and less dilution for the existing arsenic,” Zanoni said.
Zanoni added that while arsenic levels in the lakes exceed acceptable limits, the City blends water from multiple sources to bring levels within state safety standards. He said the same blending process will be used for water from the Evangeline Water Project in Sinton.
The city is also testing water wells along the Nueces River this week. Officials say results from the additional testing are expected soon.