CORPUS CHRISTI — Recent rainfall has restored water volume to local watersheds, prompting the City of Corpus Christi to ease water restrictions for its residents and wholesale customers across the region.
Effective Aug. 4, Corpus Christi officially moved from Stage 3 to Stage 2 water restrictions. The change also applies to surrounding municipalities that purchase water through the San Patricio County Municipal Water District, including Portland, Ingleside, Rockport and Aransas Pass. Under district contracts, wholesale customer cities are required to adopt the same restriction rules established by Corpus Christi.
According to a city news release, western reservoir capacity reached a combined 36.9% as of Aug. 4, with Lake Corpus Christi recorded at 67.8% capacity and Choke Canyon Reservoir at 24.9% capacity. The city’s Drought Contingency Plan permits a reduction to Stage 2 once combined reservoir levels exceed the 30% threshold.
“This is great news for our community and region. A lot of the credit belongs to our residents,” Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni said in a release. “Our community made real sacrifices during Stage 3, including pausing lawn watering entirely. That discipline made a significant difference. Moving to Stage 2 doesn’t mean the city’s work is finished, but it is a major step forward. The city and Corpus Christi Water will continue to bring on more new water supplies while closely monitoring conditions.”
Under Stage 2 restrictions:
Lawn watering: Allowed once every two weeks on assigned days, strictly before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Vehicle washing: Permitted on any day using a bucket or a handheld hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
Golf courses: Limited to watering greens and tees once every two weeks unless using reclaimed water, auxiliary sources, or a handheld hose or bucket. Use of potable water on fairways remains prohibited.
Lodging facilities: Hotels and lodging properties must maintain mandatory towel and linen reuse programs, changing linens only upon guest request.
Corpus Christi Water officials said they will continue to track regional water levels and supply conditions as Stage 2 remains in effect.