CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Amid fears over a looming water crisis, the City of Corpus Christi has pushed back its projected date for a Level 1 water emergency from September to December of this year.
In a public statement Tuesday, the South Texas city said several factors contributed to the improved outlook, including groundwater production and increased reservoir levels at Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi — a combined 8.5% as of May 20 — due to recent rain.
A Level 1 Water Emergency is when the city’s water supply is projected to be 180 days away from meeting demand.
“We are pleased to share the positive news with the community,” said Nicholas Winkelmann, chief operating officer of Corpus Christi Water (CCW). “CCW remains committed to the development of a diversified water supply portfolio that will ensure customers have reliable access to safe, quality water.”
Corpus Christi has been wrestling with restrictions because of an ongoing drought. The coastal energy port is currently in Stage 3 urgent water restrictions — which is one level before a water emergency — meaning some limited watering is allowed.
In the meantime, CCW says it will continue to monitor water conditions and provide updates to the community.
The City Council recently voted to begin talks on building a new desalination plant that can produce 150 million gallons of drinking water per day.