City Statement: Correcting Information Regarding Corpus Christi Water

By City of Corpus Christi - Mar 09, 2026

The City of Corpus Christi is committed to ensuring that our residents have access to accurate, complete information regarding our regional water supply. Following a recent article written by Inside Climate News and republished by the Texas Tribune and other publications, the City is issuing this formal clarification to correct misinformation in the article.

The article states that the “City will run out of water next year.”  This is untrue.

1. The City has Invested Nearly $1 Billion in Active Water Solutions

The recent reporting focused heavily on potential "catastrophe" while entirely omitting the City’s nearly $1 billion investment in diversified, drought-proof water infrastructure. These projects are not "plans" for the future; they are active construction and engineering efforts:

  • Nueces River Groundwater Wells Project
    • Eastern Well Field 10 MGD
    • Western Well Field 17 MGD
    • ERF Well Field 9 MGD
  • Evangeline Groundwater Project 24 MGD
  • Reclaimed Water Project 16 MGD
  • Seawater Desalination
    • Inner Harbor Location
    • Harbor Island Location
    • Barney Davis Power Plant Location

2.   Mandatory Conservation Applies to ALL Water Customers

Contrary to the article, there is no "pay-to-avoid" mechanism for water use restrictions. Participation in the Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee (DSEF) program does not allow any industrial user to bypass drought restrictions or curtailment rules.

  • Under the City’s Drought Contingency Plan, all industrial users, regardless of their fee status, remain subject to water restrictions during all mandatory drought stages, including level one and level two water emergencies.
  • The DSEF is not a loophole, but a strategic compliance mechanism. Participating industries voluntarily pay a year-round monthly fee of $0.31 per 1,000 gallons of water purchased. This is an upfront commitment that provides the City with a steady, predictable revenue stream. In exchange, these users pay the fixed fee rather than surcharges that may be implemented during a Stage 2, Stage 3, or Level 1 Water Emergency, as determined by Council decision.

3. Industry Funding Benefits Residents

The DSEF generates approximately $6 million annually. By law, these funds are restricted for the development of new water sources.

  • This revenue ensures that the multi-million-dollar cost of securing our water future is shared by our industrial partners, rather than being placed solely on the shoulders of residential taxpayers.

A Note on Transparency

While some media outlets have focused on the unavailability of specific city leaders for sit-down interviews during a week of active emergency management, the City provided comprehensive data, technical documents, and a detailed interview with our Chief Operating Officer for Water. We regret that this factual, on-the-record information was excluded from the final report

The City of Corpus Christi will continue to prioritize the long-term security of our water system and will always provide our residents with the full story.

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