City officials in Three Rivers, Texas, recently learned the city’s main water supply would be abruptly cut off, despite officials believing they would maintain access to the supply until May 2027.

The City of Three Rivers announced the change in operation in a press release, which blamed the change on nearby Corpus Christi’s “inaccurate water projections,” which led the City of Corpus Christi to notify Three Rivers it would be releasing more water from Choke Canyon Reservoir to go to Corpus Christi. This decision means the City of Three Rivers will be unable to draw water from the reservoir, which is its main water supply.

“This is a change from what was previously communicated by the City of Corpus Christi to the City of Three Rivers as recently as January of 2026–WHEN WE WERE TOLD WE WOULD HAVE CHOKE CANYON WATER AVAILABLE TO DRAW INTO APRIL AND MAY OF 2027,” the press release said. “This development from Corpus Christi is unforeseen and unexpected because we have relied on the information communicated by them.”

Corpus Christi Responds to Three Rivers’ Public Notice

Shortly after Three Rivers published its press release, Corpus Christi issued a response.

“There have been no operational changes in the City of Corpus Christi’s management of Choke Canyon reservoir, the water projection models are accurate, and the City of Corpus Christi is in full compliance with all water rights issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),” the statement, which was sent to Newsweek, said. “The City of Corpus Christi has been actively working with the City of Three Rivers on the ongoing drought conditions affecting the region and the operation of Choke Canyon Reservoir. Beginning January 7, 2026, the two cities held open discussions on current reservoir operations, water release levels, and water supply projections. Three Rivers is not a customer directly or indirectly of Corpus Christi Water (CCW).”

Corpus Christi is currently in Stage 3 drought restrictions, with the combined levels at Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi are at only 8.3 percent. Water restrictions for Corpus Christi residents are currently in place, including the prohibition of nonessential outdoor water use. Residents are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible.

Also in the statement, Corpus Christi said Three Rivers officials planned to pursue groundwater wells as water supply, according to a statement Three Rivers issued on March 10.

“Corpus Christi City Manager offered assistance and invited Three Rivers to contact them if needed. The City repeatedly offered to help Three Rivers at this meeting as part of the City’s good neighbor program,” the statement from Corpus Christi said. “The City of Three Rivers has not followed up on that offer to date. The City of Corpus Christi remains committed to regional water supply cooperation and stands ready to assist its partners in addressing these critical water challenges.”

Where Is Three Rivers, Texas?

Three Rivers is located in South Texas, about 75 miles south of San Antonio. It is dependent on the Choke Canyon Reservoir for its public water supply. The city lies northwest of Corpus Christi, which manages the reservoir and owns the majority of the system’s water rights—placing Three Rivers directly at the mercy of operational decisions made downstream.

How Many People Live in Three Rivers?

The city of Three Rivers has a population of roughly 2,000 residents, according to recent local reporting and census estimates. More than 316,000 people live in Corpus Christi. Choke Canyon Reservoir also serves as the primary water supply in Corpus Christi.

The press release from Three Rivers went on to say the sudden change was “concerning,” and officials were working to secure alternate water supplies for the city.

“Additionally, and most importantly, the City of Three Rivers is actively accelerating the implementation of our second and third alternative water supply options to achieve continued water service and stability,” the press release said. “City staff are working closely with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to ensure all regulatory requirements are met as the City of Three Rivers prepares to bring the second and third water supply options into operation. We will continue to keep the public informed.”