TCEQ Approves Request to Pause Reservoir Pass-Through Requirements

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Executive Director has approved an emergency order requested by the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces River Authority, and City of Three Rivers to temporarily suspend reservoir pass-through requirements under the 2001 Agreed Order.

The order allows water that otherwise would be subject to pass-through requirements to remain within the regional water supply system while combined storage in Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi is at or below 50%. As of August 25, combined reservoir storage is approximately 42%.

The emergency order is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 120 days, through December 23, 2026. If combined reservoir storage remains below 50% at that time, the order will automatically extend for an additional 60 days.

The City pursued the temporary suspension as part of its continued efforts to manage available water supplies during ongoing drought conditions while advancing projects to strengthen and diversify the region’s long-term water supply.

The TCEQ Commission is scheduled to consider whether to affirm, modify, or set aside the emergency order on September 9, 2026.

The City thanks our entire state delegation and partners in Austin for their support and advocacy in advancing this request. Their continued partnership remains critical as the City works to protect the region’s water supply and strengthen long-term water security.

For more information, contact Ashley Marion, Strategic Business Manager, at (361) 826-3706 or ashleym6@cctexas.com.