Corpus Christi is preparing to move to Stage 1 water restrictions as state regulators approve a temporary pause in water releases from Lake Corpus Christi, two major developments that could provide residents with more flexibility while helping preserve the region’s water supply.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Executive Director Kelly Keel has approved the city’s request to temporarily pause water releases, according to State Rep. Denise Villalobos.
“This is a historic day for the Coastal Bend,” Villalobos told 3NEWS. “This is the first time in 25 years there have been any changes (or) pauses to the 2001 Agreed Order. I am glad TCEQ recognizes we are still in a vulnerable stage coming out of a drought.”
The pause still must go before the full TCEQ Commission for final ratification at a hearing scheduled for Sept. 9.
According to Villalobos, the temporary pause of water releases could save about 84 million gallons of water a day.
In early August, city and state leaders told 3NEWS they planned to submit a request to TCEQ to temporarily pause water releases in an effort to protect the region’s water supply.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that the lake levels never get that low again,” Villalobos told 3NEWS before the filing.
On Aug. 12, City Manager Peter Zanoni told 3NEWS the request had officially been submitted.
The effort is aimed at keeping as much water as possible in the reservoirs, Zanoni said.
“This is a major step towards water security!” Villalobos said Tuesday once the request was approved. “My office encourages everyone to submit comment for the upcoming TCEQ hearing on September 9th.”
Stage 1 restrictions take effect Thursday
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi’s Stage 1 water restrictions are scheduled to take effect Thursday at 9 a.m.
The biggest change for residents is that they will be allowed to water their lawns once a week on their assigned day, rather than once every other week under Stage 2 restrictions.
Some residents say they welcome the additional flexibility.
“Oh, everybody’s happy about their lawns again because a lot of people have their, you know, their gardens and they weren’t able to water anything,” Corpus Christi resident Melissa Salinas said.
Salinas said she has already noticed an improvement in her lawn since the city recently moved from more restrictive drought rules to Stage 2.
“It went from green to very, very brown, yellowish, ugly-ish. And now it seems to be okay,” Salinas said.
City Councilman Eric Cantu has pushed for the city to ease restrictions further to Stage 1, saying it’s city policy.
“The residents of Corpus Christi have cut back enough. They did their part and we need to give them some relief to water their grass, water their foundation, do whatever they want to do with their water,” Cantu said.
However, the decision to loosen local water restrictions while seeking a pause in state-required water releases has raised concerns for some city leaders.
City Councilman Roland Barrera said he believes the two moves could send conflicting messages.
“I think we’re not consistent in our message, and once again I think until we’ve secured reasonable water sources, then it’s still premature,” Barrera said. “But I’m excited. I’m glad that TCEQ granted that, it just gives us more time to be able to find a resource that we know that can serve the whole Coastal Bend.”
Some city leaders say they do not know how long Stage 1 restrictions will remain in place. Still, Salinas said she is grateful for the additional relief, even if it is temporary.
“Any amount of time is better than nothing,” Salinas said.
This is a developing story. 3NEWS will provide updates as more information becomes available.