No permits, no water for now | Evangeline Water Project delayed as Sinton continues opposition

The Evangeline Water Project faces delays as Sinton continues to oppose permits. Corpus Christi leaders say the holdup could threaten water supplies in 7 counties.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi’s push to secure more water from the Evangeline Aquifer has hit a major roadblock.

City leaders learned they will not receive drilling permits by the February 6 deadline, delaying a project designed to bring much-needed groundwater to the region. The decision came from the board of the San Patricio County Groundwater Conservation District, which notified the City that permits would not be issued at this time.

Despite the setback, Corpus Christi officials say they will still attend a groundwater district meeting in Sinton on Friday.

City Manager Peter Zanoni said the delay did not come as a surprise.

“When they don’t issue the permits tomorrow, it won’t be a surprise to us,” Zanoni said.

The permits are considered critical for Corpus Christi’s groundwater development project. Without them, the City cannot move forward with plans to tap the Evangeline Aquifer, a move leaders say is essential to long-term water security.

The announcement sparked immediate reaction from city leaders. Councilman Eric Cantu issued a sharp warning to San Patricio County officials, suggesting future water access could be impacted if the project stalls.

“If we go into curtailment, I’m going to make sure that San Patricio County is the first one to not get water,” Cantu said.

We asked San Patricio County Judge David Krebs about that comment. He downplayed the threat and emphasized the county’s focus on conservation.

“I don’t think that comment will go very far if it goes to legality and stuff,” Krebs said. “We’ve got the water. Our people have the water. We want to conserve the water so we have it to use. Corpus would do the same thing.”

Zanoni and Corpus Christi Water Chief Operating Officer Nick Winkelman say multiple parties are contributing to the permitting delays, including the City of Sinton and three other entities.

Zanoni says communication with Sinton has stalled, and he warns the delay could have regional consequences.

“Unfortunately, the City of Sinton has stopped communicating with the City of Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi Water,” Zanoni said. “That’s unfortunate for the region because their actions are putting a seven-county region at jeopardy.”

With the Evangeline project on hold, city leaders are now leaning on existing groundwater infrastructure. Two well fields along the Nueces River are expected to be fully operational by May, producing a combined 27 million gallons per day.

Still, officials say that may not be enough.

City Council is expected to consider another groundwater option next week, a purchase of groundwater rights near the city’s western well site. The City estimates that source could provide an additional 10 to 20 million gallons per day.

“That’s a groundwater right purchase pretty close to our western well site,” Zanoni said.

Meanwhile, Judge Krebs says the City Manager in Sinton is working on a water agreement to present to Corpus Christi, news that caught city leaders off guard.

While no permits have been approved yet, officials say talks may still produce a path forward.

If not then the matter will end up before a judge.