The scorching summer temperatures in South Texas have had a significant impact on both the water supply of Corpus Christi and the condition of residents’ lawns and outdoor plants. Esteban Ramos, the Water Resource Manager for Corpus Christi Water, elucidated the city’s water-sourcing process, which relies on Lake Corpus Christi and the Choke Canyon Reservoir. Lately, the collective storage capacity of these reservoirs stood at approximately 36 percent of their total capacity.
“We are currently in the initial stage of our drought contingency plan, which means our water levels have fallen below 40%. This prompts us to request our residents and community members to limit their watering to once per week,” explained Ramos. “We find ourselves in a situation where staying informed about our present conditions is crucial. We must remain vigilant regarding the sources of our water and its usage.”
To contribute to conservation efforts, the City has introduced the Water Conservation 365 Program, which promotes the sale of 55-gallon rain barrels for residents to utilize in watering their lawns or any outdoor plants they might have.
Local realtor and gardener Rick Gomez has devised an innovative method to sustain his gardening endeavors. Spotting a 265-gallon water tank abandoned on a property he was managing, he repurposed it by collecting water from his air-conditioner’s condensation.
With the aid of this tank, Gomez has effectively preserved water while simultaneously irrigating the plants, fruits, herbs, and trees flourishing in his backyard. Although he possesses multiple water tanks, this particular one holds special significance.
Gomez elaborated, “This one stood out due to its height. It was a space-efficient water tank, essential for those with limited yard space. I installed plumbing and positioned it in an area that naturally benefited from the collected water.”
For those less fortunate than Mr. Gomez to stumble upon a water tank exceeding 200 gallons, the city offers 55-gallon water tanks for purchase, just in time for the anticipated rainfall on August 22nd.