The City of Corpus Christi, Texas, is considering important changes to its Drought Contingency Plan, which lays out the rules for water use during a drought. The city council will discuss these updates during their meeting on Tuesday.
The current plan, last updated in 2018, is due for revision every five years. Although discussions took place in 2022 and 2023, no changes were officially made at the time. The recent Stage 3 water restrictions, enforced since December 2024, have highlighted the need for updates to the plan.
Let’s look at what’s changing in the proposed plan.
Current Stage 3 Restrictions
Under the existing Stage 3 rules, the following restrictions are in place:
- No watering landscaped areas.
- No washing vehicles at home.
- Fountains can only operate to circulate water for maintenance.
Key Proposed Changes
Early Warnings for Water Shortages
The updated plan introduces a new system called a “Water Shortage Watch.” This watch will be issued if the combined water levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi drop below 50%. It will act as an early warning before restrictions are officially imposed.
New Drought Stages
If water levels continue to drop, the revised plan will replace Stage 4 with a new category called a “Water Emergency.” This stage will only apply in cases of extreme water loss, contamination, or major system failures.
Adjusted Rules for Stage 3
Several rules under Stage 3 are set to change:
- Vehicle Washing: Residents will be allowed to hand-wash vehicles with a bucket (up to five gallons) on designated watering days.
- Swimming Pools: Topping off outdoor pools will be allowed, but pools must be covered when not in use to reduce water evaporation.
New Penalties for Overuse
The updated plan proposes penalties for those who use excessive amounts of water:
- Residential Customers: A $1 surcharge per 1,000 gallons used beyond 7,000 gallons in a month.
- Commercial Properties: Surcharges will apply to usage above 55,000 gallons per month.
- Industrial Users: Industrial facilities using over 12.8 million gallons per month will also pay $1 per 1,000 gallons over that limit.Enforcement and Fines
Between January and August 2024, more than 2,500 citations for drought violations were issued, bringing in over $500,000 in fines. The city plans to keep strict enforcement under the new plan, with fines and surcharges remaining a key part of its strategy.
Rules for Businesses
Hotels and Motels
Hotels will be required to adopt a “linen and towel reuse” policy during Stage 3. This means sheets and towels will only be changed upon request, helping save water.
Industrial Users
Large factories and processing plants will face surcharges if they exceed water usage limits. In extreme cases, their water supply could be limited or suspended if a Water Emergency is declared.
Public Notification
If any changes are made to drought stages, the city will notify residents through:
- Utility bill inserts
- Local newspapers (like the Corpus Christi Caller-Times)
- Social media platforms
- Digital alerts
When Will These Changes Take Effect?
If the city council approves the new Drought Contingency Plan on Tuesday, the changes will be implemented starting February 11, 2025.
Corpus Christi’s updated Drought Contingency Plan is designed to address ongoing water challenges and prepare the city for future shortages.
With early warning systems, stricter penalties, and revised rules for businesses and residents, the city hopes to manage its water supply more efficiently. By working together, everyone can help conserve water and ensure that Corpus Christi has enough to meet its needs during tough times.