A Modern Tool to Monitor the City’s Water Supply
Corpus Christi Water Emergency prompted city officials to unveil a new online dashboard that offers real-time insights into the region’s water supply. As the city faces nearly three years of severe drought and remains under strict Stage 3 water restrictions, this tool plays a vital role. It gives residents a clearer, more detailed understanding of where their water comes from and how they use it.
More Than Just Reservoir Levels
Corpus Christi Water Emergency has pushed the city to move beyond its traditional method of measuring water supply using only the combined capacity of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir. Officials previously used these figures to gauge drought severity under a long-standing agreement with the state of Texas. Now, the newly launched dashboard offers a broader view.
The platform features updated modeling that includes additional water sources, such as the Mary Rhodes Pipeline and water wells along the Nueces River. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate and complete picture of Corpus Christi’s total water inventory.
Breaking Down Usage by Customer Class
One of the dashboard’s most useful features is its breakdown of water consumption by customer class. Residents can now view separate data for residential, commercial, and industrial accounts. With this insight, the public can better understand where the largest demands for water lie and how different sectors impact the overall supply.
What the Dashboard Offers Now—and What’s Coming Next
According to Drew Molly, Corpus Christi Water’s chief operating officer, the dashboard also provides projections for rainfall and streamflow based on 2024’s weather data. Unfortunately, this year’s conditions have been some of the driest on record, adding urgency to water conservation efforts.
In a memo to City Manager Peter Zanoni, Molly wrote that the dashboard will be updated twice monthly. He emphasized that city staff and consultants from Carollo Engineers will continue to refine the tool based on user feedback. Future updates may include even more user-friendly features and interactive elements.
Preparing for a Level 1 Water Emergency
Corpus Christi Water Emergency has kept the city under Stage 3 restrictions since December, and officials now warn that a Level 1 Water Emergency may be approaching. The new dashboard allows users to track the progression of drought stages, helping them anticipate when stricter measures could take effect.
City documents emphasize the dashboard’s role in keeping the community informed and proactive. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates regularly and take action to conserve water whenever possible.
How to Access the Dashboard
The city has launched the new dashboard, which is now live at bit.ly/ccwaterdashboard. Zanoni announced that officials will present the tool during Tuesday’s upcoming City Council meeting.
As the city continues to battle extreme drought, this tool provides a vital line of communication between city planners and the public. By making water data more accessible and comprehensive, Corpus Christi is helping its residents better prepare for an uncertain environmental future.