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last mo.

Corpus Christi Warns of Fall Water Emergency as Council Weighs Strict Cutbacks

The stakes are national because the port moves much of the country's oil and LNG exports.

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A Valero refinery sits behind Our Lady of Corpus Christi chapel along Interstate 37.

Overview

  • City staff told the council a stage 1 emergency could arrive as soon as September after drought depleted reservoirs, groundwater projects underperformed, and Lake Texana deliveries are projected to drop.
  • The proposal sets a 5,250‑gallon monthly residential allocation with a surcharge for overuse, and staff say about 70% of households already fall below that mark.
  • Large industrial users would be limited to 75% of their historical water use, with city data showing a Citgo refinery allocation of about 3.6 million gallons per day under the formula.
  • Enforcement details remain unsettled, though an industry association leader said noncompliant plants could be shut off and the mayor opposed cutting off residential service.
  • Companies are pursuing wastewater reuse and new groundwater sources as short‑term supplies, and the city estimates it must save about 15.7 million gallons per day.