City Statement: City of Corpus Christi Responds to Three Rivers Public Notice

Corpus Christi, TX – There have been no operational changes in the City of Corpus Christi’s management of Choke Canyon reservoir, the water projection models are accurate, and the City of Corpus Christi is in full compliance with all water rights issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

The City of Corpus Christi has been actively working with the City of Three Rivers on the ongoing drought conditions affecting the region and the operation of Choke Canyon Reservoir. Beginning January 7, 2026, the two cities held open discussions on current reservoir operations, water release levels, and water supply projections. Three Rivers is not a customer directly or indirectly of Corpus Christi Water (CCW).

During these meetings, Corpus Christi shared its water supply modeling efforts, which at that time projected a Level 1 Water Emergency by November 2026, and encouraged Three Rivers to further develop any alternative water supply plans they were developing.

On March 10, 2026, senior officials from Corpus Christi, including the City Manager, CCW Chief Operating Officer, and the Assistant Director of Water Supply Management, met with the Three Rivers City Administrator and City staff. The City presented a detailed overview of the region’s water supply, including approximately $1 billion in new water projects currently in development, and three scenario models illustrating potential future conditions. In late February, City Manager Zanoni asked for the creation of additional scenario models to better equip the City in evaluating and predicting future conditions.

Three Rivers stated on March 10, 2026, that it planned to pursue groundwater wells, but admitted that the project needed further development. Corpus Christi City Manager offered assistance and invited Three Rivers to contact them if needed. The City repeatedly offered to help Three Rivers at this meeting as part of the City’s good neighbor program.

The City of Three Rivers has not followed up on that offer to date. The City of Corpus Christi remains committed to regional water supply cooperation and stands ready to assist its partners in addressing these critical water challenges.

Scenario models are regularly updated to reflect changing conditions, including historic drought, reservoir inflows, potential curtailment from Lake Texana, water quality issues, and new supply project developments. Outputs naturally shift as these inputs evolve.

The City of Corpus Christi remains dedicated to regional water supply cooperation, sharing information, and supporting the City of Three Rivers in any way possible.