City of Corpus Christi Eases Drought Restrictions to Stage 2 as Reservoir Levels Rise
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — City Manager Peter Zanoni announced today that the City of Corpus Christi has officially moved from Stage 3 to Stage 2 water restrictions, effective immediately.
The City's Western Reservoirs, including Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, have exceeded the 30% threshold set by the City's Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). Currently, Lake Corpus Christi is at 67.8% capacity, while Choke Canyon Reservoir is at 24.9%, bringing the combined capacity of the Western Reservoirs to 36.9%.
The City had been under strict Stage 3 restrictions since December 2024.
The improved water outlook is the result of three major factors:
1. A $1 billion investment in developing a diversified regional water supply.
- Recent heavy rain in the upper Nueces and Frio watersheds has increased inflows into the Western Reservoirs.
- Ongoing water-saving efforts by residents and businesses during Stage 3, helping to preserve water resources.
Under Stage 2 water restrictions:
- Lawn Watering is permitted once every two weeks (before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.) on assigned days. You can check your address schedule at stage2.corpuschristiTX.gov.
- Vehicle washing is allowed on any day using a bucket or a handheld hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
- Golf Courses can water greens and tees once every two weeks unless using reclaimed water, auxiliary sources, or a handheld hose/bucket. Potable water use on fairways remains prohibited.
- Hotels and lodging facilities must maintain mandatory towel/linen reuse programs, changing linens by guest request only.
“This is great news for our community and region. A lot of the credit belongs to our residents,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni. “Our community made real sacrifices during Stage 3, including pausing lawn watering entirely. That discipline made a significant difference. Moving to Stage 2 doesn't mean the City's work is finished, but it is a major step forward. The City and Corpus Christi Water will continue to bring on more new water supplies while closely monitoring conditions.”
Corpus Christi Water will continue daily monitoring of reservoir levels and progress on long-term water projects, including groundwater development, water reuse, surface water improvements, and desalination.
For full drought guidelines or to find your assigned watering day, visit stage2.corpuschristiTX.gov.
For additional information and updates regarding efforts to diversify the regional water supply, visit securingwater.corpuschristitx.gov
For media inquiries, please contact Ashley Marion, Strategic Business Manager for CCW, at (361) 826-3706 or ashleym6@corpuschristiTX.gov
