Using a sprinkler to water your lawn is now permissible again in Corpus Christi, where officials have eased water restrictions.
Kate Wieser/Getty Images
It’s been two weeks since Corpus Christi officially announced it was easing the strict water restrictions Coastal Bend residents had endured for nearly two years.
On Tuesday, August 4, Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni officially lifted Stage 3 water restrictions and announced that the city — and the 500,000 people across seven counties who depend on Corpus Christi Water — was moving into Stage 2 Water restrictions, “effective immediately.”
Article continues below this ad
The announcement came after recent rains replenished the nearly depleted Lake Corpus Christi to two-thirds of its capacity and had brought the region’s largest reservoir, Choke Canyon Reservoir, to nearly 25% full. As of Tuesday, August 18, Lake Corpus Christi was holding steady at 91.7% full and Choke Canyon at 24.1% full.
But just what does it mean to be under Stage 2 restrictions, and what kinds of water conservation measures must Coastal Bend residents follow? Read on to learn more.
What are Stage 2 water restrictions?
Corpus Christi operates under a comprehensive water conservation plan called a “drought contingency plan,” based largely on the combined water levels of the region’s two largest reservoirs—Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi. As the reservoirs fall below certain thresholds, it triggers progressively aggressive water restrictions. The plan also calls for worsening penalties for noncompliance. The document outlines a plan of action through four progressively worsening stages of water shortage, followed by the most dire designations of all — water emergencies. There are two levels of water emergency.
Article continues below this ad
According to the city of Corpus Christi’s 2025 drought contingency plan, Stage 2 means that the city is experiencing a “moderate water shortage.” Under Stage 2, combined storage at the reservoirs has fallen below 30%.
Who must follow Stage 2 water restrictions?
Stage 2 water restrictions apply to all customers, according to Corpus Christi Water. That includes residential customers — whether you live in a house or apartment — and commercial and industrial water customers. However, large volume industrial users can choose to pay a “Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee” that exempts them from water use curtailments during Stage 1, 2 or 3 water restrictions.
Can I water my lawn under Stage 2 restrictions?
Yes. Corpus Christi residents can water their lawns during Stage 2 restrictions.
Article continues below this ad
Watering via irrigation or sprinkler systems is allowed before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. every other week according to the city’s designated watering schedule. Watering with a hand-held hose, a bucket, watering can or drip irrigation is allowed any day before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Washing a car with a hose or bucket is now permissible again in Corpus Christi, where officials have eased water restrictions.
Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61
Can I wash my car or boat under Stage 2 water restrictions?
Yes, washing a car or boat is allowed any day of the week, as long as a hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle, or a bucket is used.
Article continues below this ad
Can I fill my swimming pool during Stage 2 water restrictions?
Yes, you can fill or refill an existing swimming pool during Stage 2 water restrictions, though pools that are not in use must remain covered.
Will there be extra fees on my water bill during Stage 2 water restrictions?
No, there are no extra charges for water usage during Stage 2 water restrictions.
Article continues below this ad
Are there penalties for not following Stage 2 water restrictions?
Yes, there are penalties for not following Stage 2 water restrictions. Violators can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and charged fines of up to $500 per day. Repeat offenses can lead to disconnected water service.