The US City on the Brink of Running Out of Water
Summary
Corpus Christi, a city in South Texas, is facing a serious water shortage as the levels in its main reservoirs fall to historic lows. City officials say the water supply is not yet exhausted but warn that emergency water restrictions may start soon to manage the limited supply.Key Facts
- Corpus Christi’s main reservoirs, Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi, have dropped to about 10% of their capacity, the lowest in history.
- The city may declare a Level 1 Water Emergency by September, which means water demand could soon exceed supply in about six months.
- Proposed water restrictions could cut usage by 25% for nearly 500,000 people, including residents and large industrial users.
- More than half of the city’s water is used by petrochemical plants and refineries, key to the local economy.
- Governor Greg Abbott has eased some pumping limits and sped up permits for new water projects to help delay restrictions.
- Reservoir data show a big drop in stored water compared to last year: Lake Corpus Christi went from 54,000 to under 29,000 acre-feet, and Choke Canyon fell from 95,000 to less than 49,000 acre-feet.
- The city is investing nearly $1 billion in water infrastructure to improve the system.
- If water shortages force industries to stop operating, it could impact jobs and the local economy significantly.
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