Water remains one of the most important challenges facing our city. That is why I have remained focused on building a stronger, more reliable long-term water supply for Corpus Christi.

Recent rainfall has provided welcome relief, and our combined reservoir levels now stand at approximately 15%. This has delayed our Level 1 Water Emergency from December 2026 to September 2027. While every rainfall is encouraging, it takes time to fully understand how these events impact our overall water supply. Because water conditions continue to change with rainfall and water usage, these figures reflect the most current data available at the time this article was submitted for publication.

One of my highest priorities as Mayor is getting our community back to Level 2 drought restrictions as soon as conditions safely allow. Reaching that point requires our combined reservoir storage to reach the 30% threshold. Residents have collectively committed to water conservation efforts, and I appreciate their ongoing dedication to conserving water during this challenging period. Those conservation efforts have made a difference, and I know many residents look forward to the day when conditions allow us to return to more normal water use, including the ability to water our lawns again.

I am hopeful these recent rains have moved us in the right direction, but we must make decisions based on accurate data rather than optimism alone. At my request, Corpus Christi Water provided an update to City Council on July 28 regarding the latest reservoir conditions and the impact of the recent rainfall. I will continue advocating for any appropriate changes that provide relief for our residents while protecting our long-term water supply.

For many years, Corpus Christi depended heavily on surface water. Today, we are building a more resilient future by investing in a diversified water portfolio that includes groundwater, reclaimed water, conservation, and seawater desalination. Our groundwater efforts continue through the Eastern and Western Well Fields, along with the Evangeline Groundwater Project.

While permitting has impacted the timeline, engineering and pipeline construction continue moving forward as we work to bring these additional water sources online. However, groundwater alone is not enough. We must continue advancing seawater desalination to protect the future of Corpus Christi.

We are also expanding our reclaimed water program, which will provide approximately 11 million gallons of reclaimed water per day for industrial use. This investment reduces demand on our drinking water system and helps preserve more freshwater for our residents.

Seawater desalination remains the cornerstone of our long-term water strategy because it provides a drought-resistant source of water. A Far Field Study is scheduled to be considered by the City Council on September 1, while engineering, environmental review, and financing efforts continue moving forward. As we continue advancing critical water infrastructure projects, the City is also pursuing opportunities to secure federal funding that could help offset the cost of these important investments. I want to thank Congressman Michael Cloud who helped create an opportunity for Corpus Christi to compete for up to $120 million in federal funding for eligible desalination projects. Pursuing these funds could reduce costs for taxpayers, strengthen the City’s long-term water security, and reflects responsible fiscal planning. The City appreciates regional partners who have agreed to provide the funding to secure these critical federal resources through the appropriate City approval process. I have placed their proposal on the agenda and am hopeful the City Council will move it forward so that we can secure $120 million in federal funds for seawater desalination.

Thank you to our residents for continuing to conserve water and for helping protect our community’s future. You have my commitment that I will not rest until Corpus Christi has the long-term, reliable water supply our community deserves.

The Mayor’s Office is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to assist with questions or concerns.

Paulette.Guajardo@corpuschristitx.gov

361-826-3100