Historic Low: Western Lake Reservoirs Reach 10% Combined Capacity
No Water Emergency Declared at This Time
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The City of Corpus Christi is providing an update on the status of the western reservoirs.
According to the Daily Reservoir and Pass-Thru Status Report dated January 12, 2026, the combined capacity of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi has reached 10%, marking the lowest level these reservoirs have experienced in their history.
Lake Corpus Christi currently stands at 11.6% capacity, while Choke Canyon Reservoir is at 9.4%.
The City of Corpus Christi remains in Drought Status Stage 3. Under the City’s Drought Contingency Plan, no specific operational changes are mandated when the western reservoirs are below 10%.
The next critical step in the Drought Contingency Plan occurs when the entire water supply system reaches 180 days from the point at which the total water supply would no longer be sufficient to meet the total water demand. This point is currently forecasted for November 2026. At that time, a Level 1 Water Emergency would be initiated.
The western reservoir levels alone do not determine when a water emergency takes effect. Corpus Christi’s water supply includes millions of gallons from eastern sources, including Lake Texana and the Colorado River. Currently, 65% of the City’s water comes from these sources.
The City has made strategic investments to ensure water security, including the Nueces Groundwater Wells, the Evangeline Groundwater Project, reclaimed water infrastructure, seawater desalination, and the Mary Rhodes Pipeline. These combined projects provide both short-term and long-term water security for the region.
Residents can monitor the City’s updated water supply dashboard at Water Supply Dashboard - English | City of Corpus Christi.
For media inquiries, please contact Ashley Marion, Strategic Business Manager, at (361) 826-3706 or ashleym6@corpuschristiTX.gov.