As drought conditions tighten their grip on South Texas, the City of Mathis is moving swiftly to protect its water supply. With Lake Corpus Christi levels steadily declining, city leaders have launched an urgent infrastructure initiative to secure alternative water sources before conditions become critical.
Officials confirm that crews have begun drilling the first of two new groundwater wells near the Mathis water treatment plant off FM 1068. The project represents a proactive response to falling lake levels and a shrinking buffer between the current water supply and the city’s intake threshold.
Lake Corpus Christi Levels Continue to Drop
The ongoing drought has significantly impacted Lake Corpus Christi, the primary water source for Mathis. According to city officials, the most recent measurement places the lake approximately five to six feet above the city’s intake level.
While that margin provides some short-term reassurance, it also underscores the urgency of the situation. Mathis City Manager Cedric Davis said the city likely has five to six months before lake levels reach a critical stage if dry conditions persist.
“We still have some time,” Davis noted, “but not much.”
The projection depends heavily on rainfall patterns and regional water usage. Without meaningful precipitation, lake levels could decline faster than anticipated, prompting the need for immediate supplemental supply.
Groundwater Wells Offer a Backup Plan
In response, city crews have started drilling a test well to evaluate groundwater quality and production capacity. The well is located near the city’s water plant, allowing for streamlined integration into the existing distribution system if testing proves successful.
Testing Water Quality and Salinity
Officials expect the groundwater to contain elevated salinity levels. As a result, the city plans to blend well water with lake water to maintain compliance with drinking water standards.
Public Works Director Robert Tafolla explained that laboratory testing will determine whether the groundwater meets regulatory requirements set by state agencies. If the water contains higher mineral content than anticipated, additional treatment processes may become necessary.
Blending strategies are commonly used in drought-prone regions to maintain water quality while extending surface water supplies. By combining two sources, municipalities can stabilize mineral concentrations and ensure consistent service.
Preparing for Advanced Water Treatment
To strengthen long-term resilience, the City of Mathis is also pursuing state grant funding to expand treatment capabilities. If groundwater use increases, officials may install additional filtration systems or reverse-osmosis systems to remove excess salts and impurities.
Potential Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse osmosis systems use specialized membranes to filter out dissolved minerals, salts, and contaminants. Although effective, the technology requires significant investment and operational planning. Securing grant support would reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers while accelerating implementation.
Tafolla confirmed that city staff are actively exploring funding opportunities to ensure readiness if lake levels continue to decline.
“We want to be prepared before we reach a critical point,” he said.
Water Plant Upgrades Already Underway
Beyond drilling new wells, Mathis has initiated several upgrades at the water treatment facility to accommodate the potential increase in groundwater supply.
Infrastructure Improvements Include:
- Installation of new backup generators
- Upgraded electrical wiring systems
- Structural repairs to the pier supporting the lake water pumps
These improvements enhance operational reliability and reduce the risk of service interruptions during extreme weather events or mechanical failures. Strengthening infrastructure now enables the city to efficiently integrate new water sources once the wells become operational. Officials report that all upgrades remain on schedule.
Timeline: 60 to 90 Days to Completion
City leaders expect both groundwater wells and water plant improvements to be fully operational within the next 60 to 90 days. The accelerated timeline reflects the urgency created by persistent drought conditions.
If completed as planned, the project will provide Mathis with an additional safeguard against water shortages. While groundwater may not fully replace Lake Corpus Christi as the primary supply, it provides a critical buffer, extending the city’s ability to meet residential and commercial demand.
A Proactive Approach to Water Security
Across Texas, communities continue to confront water scarcity driven by prolonged drought and shifting climate patterns. Mathis officials emphasize that their current strategy is preventive rather than reactive.
By investing in groundwater infrastructure and treatment capacity now, the city reduces the likelihood of emergency water restrictions later. Moreover, early action enables controlled planning rather than last-minute crisis management.
Residents can expect continued monitoring of lake levels and regular updates from city leadership as conditions evolve. For now, Mathis remains cautiously optimistic—but officials acknowledge that time is limited.