City leaders say improving reservoir levels could allow Stage 2 drought restrictions next week while extending the city’s water outlook.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi could adopt less restrictive drought rules as early as next week, as reservoir levels continue to rise following several rounds of beneficial rainfall, according to City Manager Peter Zanoni.

During a water update on Monday, Zanoni said the city’s combined water supply has climbed to 26.2%, up from a low of 8%, and is expected to reach the 30% threshold needed to move from Stage 3 to Stage 2 drought restrictions.



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“We could make that declaration as soon as this weekend or early next week,” Zanoni said.

The change would not require City Council approval. Once the combined reservoir level reaches 30%, the city can move into Stage 2 administratively.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, residents would be allowed to water and irrigate once every other week, compared with the current Stage 3 restrictions, which prohibit outdoor watering.

If the city’s combined reservoir storage reaches 40%, Corpus Christi would move into Stage 1 drought restrictions, allowing outdoor watering once a week.

Recent rainfall has significantly improved water levels across the city’s reservoirs.

Choke Canyon Reservoir is now 24% full, compared with 7% three months ago and 13% one year ago. Lake Corpus Christi has climbed to 32% capacity, up from 8.7% three months ago and 19.7% this time last year.

Zanoni said additional rainfall expected this weekend could push reservoir levels even higher.

The improved conditions have also delayed the city’s projected Level 1 Water Emergency for the fourth time.

When city officials first shared projections in April, they estimated a Level 1 Water Emergency could begin in September 2026. That estimate was later pushed back to September 2027, and officials now forecast it would not occur until September 2028.

Zanoni credited the recent rainfall and continued efforts to move water into Lake Corpus Christi for extending the city’s water supply outlook.

He also highlighted ongoing water supply projects that city leaders say are designed to strengthen Corpus Christi’s long-term water future.