While storms to the north of Corpus Christi have brought widespread flooding elsewhere in the state, the water that is expected to be delivered downriver may dramatically change the picture of the region’s drought, according to city officials.
“We, of course, are being so thankful for the recharge of our water systems,” said City Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxson in a council workshop July 16. “We do, I hope, want to keep those other communities in prayer, because it’s a little different perspective for some of our other Texan neighbors.”
Some staff members and council members expressed cautious optimism that the storms feeding significant rainfall to the watershed could, possibly, replenish Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir sufficiently to move city drought restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2.
It’s possible — although not assured — that the City Council may begin discussing the process of lifting Stage 3 drought restrictions somewhere between the end of the month and mid-August, officials indicated.
It will be about two to 2 1/2 weeks before the rivers convey the full amount of water to the lakes, according to staff.
The overall impact won’t be known until then, officials said.
“It’s not a 50-yard-line race,” said Esteban Ramos, water resources manager of Corpus Christi Water. “It’s a marathon to see where this water goes and how much water gets into our reservoirs.”
Moving into Stage 2 drought restrictions would permit residents to water their lawns once every other week.
The practice has been banned for about 18 months since Stage 3 drought restrictions were announced, and among the most frequently aired grievances by residents during the driest periods since then.
As of July 16, the combined capacity of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi stood at 15.2%, according to city data, a dramatic rise in itself spurred by rains in May.
It’s expected city staff will update projections on a water emergency in the council’s July 28 meeting.
A water emergency would be called six months before the city’s water supply would be unable to meet demand.
At present, the projected date is September 2027.
Current circumstances represent a “reprieve” and should not deter efforts to secure new water supply, said City Councilman Gil Hernandez.
“Even though we’re getting some of this water into our reservoirs, we shouldn’t stop what we’re doing in terms of trying to get those other water sources and diversify our water supply,” he said.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Corpus Christi drought restrictions may change after Texas floods
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times | USA TODAY Network
