As drought conditions persist and lake levels drop, the City of Corpus Christi has proactively announced the potential implementation of Stage 3 water restrictions by mid-December. This move aims to address the ongoing water scarcity and mitigate the impact on local resources, demonstrating the city’s commitment to managing the situation.
Current Water Restrictions Under Stage 2
Stage 2 water restrictions, which have been in effect since March 12, limit water usage to conserve the dwindling water supply. The essential guidelines include:
- Lawn Watering: Residents can only water their lawns with sprinklers or irrigation systems once every other week on their designated trash pickup day.
- Time Restrictions: Watering with sprinklers or irrigation is strictly prohibited between 10 AM and 6 PM.
- Fines for Violations: Individuals violating these restrictions may face a citation and fines of up to $500 per violation per day.
Despite these measures, lake levels remain alarmingly low. They are currently at 20.5%, a slight increase from 20.1% recorded on November 13.
Why Not Move to Stage 3 Now?
City Manager Peter Zanoni emphasized a measured approach to the restrictions.
“We don’t want to panic the community. We don’t want to really punish them, so to speak, to say you can’t water your lawn at all,” said Zanoni.
He also noted that additional water sources, such as supplies from the Lower Colorado River and Lake Texana, are helping supplement the city’s needs. This temporary boost is why the city has not yet enacted Stage 3 restrictions.
City’s Three-Step Drought Response Plan
In a press release, the City of Corpus Christi outlined a three-step strategy to address the worsening drought conditions:
- Expand Water Resources
- Increase capacity from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline.
- Utilize groundwater resources to supplement existing water supplies.
- Monitor and Educate
- Continue daily monitoring of lake levels and drought conditions.
- Keep the public informed about upcoming Stage 3 water restrictions.
- Reduce Water Usage
- Encourage all customers to adopt additional water-saving practices as Stage 3 restrictions loom.
What to Expect in Stage 3
Stage 3 water restrictions will significantly tighten water usage rules across the city if enacted. Key provisions include:
- Irrigation Ban: Prohibition of all landscape irrigation.
- Vehicle Washing Restrictions: A ban on washing motor vehicles, motorbikes, boats, trailers, or other cars at home.
- Fountain Operation Limitations: Fountains may only operate to circulate water for maintenance purposes.
Until mid-December, Stage 2 water restrictions remain in place, and residents are urged to continue conserving water.
Looking Ahead
The City of Corpus Christi remains committed to balancing resource conservation with its residents’ needs. With lake levels critically low, the community’s cooperation is crucial to navigating this drought and avoiding severe water shortages. The city’s commitment to considering residents’ needs in these challenging times is a testament to its dedication to the community.