Corpus Christi Water Making Progress on Mary Rhodes Pipeline Repairs

Corpus Christi, TX – Corpus Christi Water (CCW) is completing repairs on the Mary Rhodes Pipeline (MRP) after a leak was identified near the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant during a scheduled maintenance period. The leak was discovered as the pipeline returned to service.

Over the weekend, initial findings indicated that the leak was at a welded manway, an access point built into the pipeline. The manway dates to the pipeline’s original construction more than 25 years ago and reflects outdated construction practices. CCW has been working to correct these conditions along the MRP and will continue to do so.

Contractors worked overnight to remove water from inside the MRP, allowing repair work to begin safely. Welders have since cut and removed the damaged section of pipe, which measured approximately 24 feet. The replacement pipe is on site, and welding of the new section will begin early this evening and continue through the night.

If this work proceeds as planned, mortar operations to coat and protect the new pipe will begin tomorrow. CCW plans to gradually return the MRP to service later tomorrow, with full restoration expected by Thursday, October 8.

During this time, the regional water supply continues to be delivered from the Western Reservoirs and the Nueces Groundwater Program. CCW will provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more information, media representatives are encouraged to contact Strategic Business Manager, Ashley Marion, at (361) 826-3706 or via email at ashleym6@corpuschristiTX.gov.