Recent rainfall barely budged the needle on Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, but significantly benefited other surface water supply Corpus Christi has become reliant on amid punishing drought, according to city officials.
“We have hope,” said City Manager Peter Zanoni in an April 24 media briefing.
Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir remain low — at the lake, about 8.8% capacity, and the reservoir, unchanged at about 7.5%, he said.
That represents an increase of about one-tenth percent for Lake Corpus Christi compared to two weeks ago, he said.
Combined, the city’s surface water system stood at about 7.8%, he said.
However, Lake Texana rose from slightly below 50% to 62% capacity, Zanoni said.
The city has a contract for about 31,000 acre feet per year from Lake Texana.
An increase to its level essentially provides a buffer for the city’s supply, extending the timeframe before a water emergency would be called.
Management plans for the lake call for curtailment of 20% of the water the city draws from the lake, located in the Edna area, once it reaches 40% capacity, according to city memos.
That is expected to occur in August, Zanoni said.
City officials currently project that Corpus Christi will enter into a water emergency in September, dependent on several factors including weather patterns.
A water emergency will go into effect if or when the city’s supply is projected to fall short of demand within six months.
The City Council is currently hammering out proposals on how to respond to a water emergency, including decision-making on the percentage of water use customers will be required to cut and surcharges.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here’s how recent rainfall impacted Corpus Christi’s drought
Reporting by Kirsten Crow, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
