Corpus Christi city officials plan to stick to summer tradition, despite ongoing drought conditions.
The city’s five splash pads and six pools are set to open May 30 and continue operating through Aug. 9.
The decision to open the popular water features was divisive within the community as a water emergency remains a possibility.
Some, noting that circumstances may be dire, suggested that recreational pastimes would need to be sacrificed, while others pushed back on the idea that residents who have already drastically cut water use would essentially be punished for their efforts.
All combined, the pools and splash pads use about 1.8 million gallons of water over the 70-day summer season, according to city officials.
That amounts to about one-quarter used in a day by some industrial operations.
There remains a priority on saving water, according to city officials. Evaporation in pools is mitigated through an additive, as well as covering its surface when not in use. Splash pads use a recycling system.
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 won’t stop pools, splash pads for the summer
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
