Corpus Christi, Texas, and the surrounding Coastal Bend region are facing a significant water shortage that has impacted residents, businesses, and industrial operations.

Since August 2024, restrictions have limited lawn watering and other non-essential uses, with potential for stricter limits if drought conditions persist.

The city relies on the Nueces, Lavaca-Navidad, and Colorado river basins for most of its water, with reservoirs such as Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi currently at just 8% capacity.

Industrial expansion, especially at the Port of Corpus Christi, has sharply increased water demand, and new water sources have not been developed since 2016.Plans for a desalination plant were abandoned due to rising costs, leaving the city to explore alternative measures.

These include groundwater wells, reclaimed wastewater for industrial and irrigation use, and potential purchases from a nearly completed desalination facility.

Long-term solutions will require careful planning, significant investment, and consideration of climate change impacts to ensure reliable water availability for both residents and industries.