City conservation program is out of stock, with restock expected May 8 as residents weigh cost and supply concerns.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As the region moves closer to a possible 25% water curtailment, the city’s rain barrel program has already sold out, leaving residents divided over cost and availability.

The city sold 55-gallon barrels for $50.88 each through Corpus Christi Water (CCW), with proceeds directed toward the utility’s conservation projects. Within days, the entire inventory was exhausted.

“Well here it is: it’s $50.88 for a plastic barrel. I, to tell you the truth, I think it’s a little high — but it’s a good idea to catch what little rain we get,” said Daniel Smith, a Corpus Christi resident.

Esteban Ramos, CCW Water Resource Manager Esteban Ramos, confirmed the sell-out and said additional stock is on the way.

“We have sold out just recently today. We’re going to have additional rain barrels come in, probably towards the end of next week, around the eighth,” Ramos said.

Ramos defended the city’s pricing, noting the barrels are significantly cheaper than comparable products at retail stores.

“That is a significantly lower cost than an individual going to, say, Home Depot, where an average cost for a rain barrel is approximately $120,” Ramos said.

The program is designed to help residents prepare ahead of a potential Stage 1 water emergency declaration. Ramos said the barrels give households a backup supply for non-potable uses such as watering plants or other outdoor activities.

“This is a good opportunity — if a Level 1 water emergency were to be triggered — that they would be prepared to have extra water that they could use for watering their plants in a pot or for other activities,” Ramos said.

Smith, despite his reservations about the price, said he ultimately supports the pay-to-participate model, arguing that free distribution would have undercut the program’s effectiveness.

“I don’t think people would’ve used them. You got to pay for what you get, I think,” Smith said.

Questions have emerged from some residents about why barrels aren’t being distributed at no cost. 

City officials have not addressed those calls directly, but maintain the current pricing structure helps subsidize conservation efforts.

Residents are reminded that water collected in rain barrels is for non-potable use only and should not be consumed or used for cooking. 

The next shipment is expected to arrive around May 8. Residents can contact Corpus Christi Water for availability updates.