Builders say they’re working to reduce water use as questions grow about supply. City officials say new home construction is not being stopped.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Concerns about the Coastal Bend’s water supply have raised questions about what it could mean for future growth in Corpus Christi.
Some realtors and home builders have wondered whether the city could eventually stop issuing permits for new homes if drought conditions continue and water resources tighten.
But city leaders say that is not something currently being recommended, and builders say they are already taking steps to reduce water use in new developments.
At least one area builder is adopting water-saving strategies.
Standing beside a rain barrel outside one of his buildings, developer Bart Braselton says newer homes are designed to use significantly less water than older ones.
“Yes, and well yeah in fact a new home uses far less water than an existing home. When you go in, it’s as much as 33% less water a new home uses than an existing home.”
Braselton says the construction industry has already adopted more efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances, which contribute to the reduced water use.
Developers are also exploring ways to reuse water generated by homes themselves.
“We’re also working on ways to reuse water that the home produces, so water from your air conditioner, for instance, or from rainwater. And in fact in the summer we have a lot of dew created from the roof. it doesn’t necessarily need to rain to fill up a rain barrel.”
Outside Braselton’s office, a sign also shows his support for the proposed Inner Harbor desalination plant, one of several projects city leaders are considering to increase the region’s water supply.
Braselton is currently involved in projects on Corpus Christi’s west side and in the fast-growing London area.
He says a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, plan unveiled Tuesday to fund infrastructure such as roads and utilities in London could help accelerate development in that part of the city.
“It’s going to be a great kick start to it. It will help the city get much of the infrastructure in that, that has heretofore not been an easy way to finance it. it’s going to be a great plus, and I’m really excited about what we’re going to see there.”
TIRZ districts allow cities to reinvest property tax growth in a specific area to pay for infrastructure improvements that support development.
Despite concerns circulating among some in the real estate industry, Corpus Christi officials say there is currently no recommendation to halt new home construction.
City Manager Peter Zanoni said the city has not proposed a moratorium on new water connections.
“Right now there’s no recommendation to do any type of prohibition like that.”
He also noted that new state legislation HB 2559 passed during the most recent legislative session adds additional hurdles for cities considering such actions.
“There’s a whole set of rules and steps that a city would have to go through to prohibit new water taps.”
City leaders say they continue to meet with builders and developers to identify ways to reduce water use while allowing growth to continue.
Michael Dice, with Development Services, said collaboration with the building industry is ongoing.
“We meet with home builders regularly. We have a development task force. We also meet with the Coastal Bend Home Builders Association regular as a builders liaison meeting. We’re always discussing ways to save water.”
Those discussions include exploring options such as new testing methods for plumbing systems and other efficiency measures during construction.
Even with water concerns, real estate leaders say the demand for housing in Corpus Christi remains steady.
Brian Morales, CEO of the Coastal Bend Association of Realtors, says the community continues to attract both new residents and buyers already living in the area who are looking to upgrade homes.
“This community remains very attractive to people.”
Morales said the focus among real estate professionals and builders is finding sustainable solutions that allow the city to grow while protecting its water resources.
“We’re focused on water saving solutions and not putting a closed sign on the city.”
Looking ahead, city leaders say they will continue studying the new state law and working with community stakeholders before making any future recommendations related to water policy.
For now, construction projects already underway will continue, and officials say there are no current plans to stop new home development in Corpus Christi.