Corpus Christi, Texas, eases water restrictions again

City of Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, Texas, officials announced on Thursday a further easing of water-use restrictions, marking another step away from a water supply crisis that has negatively impacted the city's bond ratings. 

The change to Stage 1 drought status comes just weeks after the city moved to Stage 2 from Stage 3 and postponed the onset of a potential Level 1 emergency — indicating the regional water system is 180 days from supply not meeting demand — to September 2028 from a previous September 2027 projection.

City Manager Peter Zanoni said increased reservoir capacity due to significant rainfall, as well as ongoing projects to diversify water supply, contributed to the move to Stage 1.

Corpus Christi has $1.1 billion of groundwater, wastewater reuse, and other projects underway, aimed at producing 66 million gallons of water daily. A presentation to the city council last month showed $1.08 billion of debt issuance for the projects over the next three fiscal years.  

Long-term projects being explored involve seawater desalination, although the future of an Inner Harbor desalination plant remains uncertain after the city council postponed until September consideration of an initial contract for the project, which carries a preliminary cost estimate of $978.77 million.  

City officials said conservation efforts remain important.

"Water remains one of our community's most precious resources, and conservation must continue to be part of how we live, work, and plan for our future," Mayor Pro Tem Kaylynn Paxson said. "As we move forward, the city remains committed to strengthening the reliability and resiliency of our water supply, and making responsible decisions that protect this essential resource for our residents, businesses, and future generations." 

The water supply emergency that had been projected for as soon as this year weighed on the bond ratings for the city of 317,000, which have been hit with downgrades and negative outlooks since late last year.

Corpus Christi Water, a city agency, is the primary water supplier for a seven-county region.