City officials have postponed a second vote on a controversial drought contingency plan, opting instead to hold another public meeting to gather additional community feedback. The plan, which outlines water restrictions during different drought stages, has faced significant debate over transparency and public engagement.
In a statement, City Manager Peter Zanoni confirmed that the council will not revisit the discussion on the drought contingency plan until February 25. The delay follows concerns about whether the public had enough time to review and provide input on the proposed changes.
Public Listening Session Scheduled
To address these concerns, the city has scheduled a public listening session for Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at City Hall (1201 Leopard St.). According to a city memo, the session will be moderated, and city staff will be present to facilitate discussions as necessary.
Additionally, an online public input form is now available for residents to submit their feedback. The form, along with the original drought contingency plan and its proposed revisions, can be accessed at the city’s website:
🔗 Corpus Christi Water Drought Information.
What Does the Drought Contingency Plan Include?
The plan outlines water usage restrictions based on different drought stages. These restrictions include limitations on landscape irrigation, water conservation measures, and prohibitions during extreme drought conditions. The existing plan was initially approved in 2018. Still, city officials have been working on revisions to better address current water shortages.
Why Was the Plan Delayed?
The initial vote in January passed during its first reading. However, during its second and final reading earlier this month, the plan failed to pass due to heated debates among council members and public attendees. The primary concern was whether the public had adequate time to review and provide feedback before the vote.
Current Water Crisis: Corpus Christi Under Stage 3 Restrictions
Corpus Christi remains under Stage 3 water restrictions, triggered when the combined capacities of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir drop below 20%.
City data shows that reservoir levels stand at 18.4% as of Friday, highlighting the urgency of an effective drought management strategy.
What’s Next for the Plan?
With the rescheduled vote now set for February 25, city officials hope that the additional public input session will address concerns and lead to a more informed decision. City officials encourage residents to attend the meeting, provide feedback online, and stay informed about potential water use restrictions.