Corpus Christi – Texas
Corpus Christi’s Water Utilities Department serves approximately 350,000 residents across the city and surrounding communities in the Coastal Bend region. The utility manages over 1,600 miles of water mains, operates the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, and delivers an average of 85 million gallons daily to this growing Gulf Coast community.
Unlike many Texas cities that rely on groundwater, Corpus Christi draws its drinking water exclusively from surface water sources, primarily the Nueces River System including Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, with the Colorado River via Lake Texana serving as a supplemental supply. This network of reservoirs provides resilience during drought periods common to South Texas. With average annual rainfall of approximately 32 inches, Corpus Christi balances variable precipitation patterns with careful conservation practices. The city has undertaken significant water system upgrades following water quality challenges in 2015-2016, investing over $450 million in infrastructure improvements including water main replacements, treatment plant modernization, and the development of a seawater desalination program to add supply diversity for this critical Gulf Coast industrial and tourism center.
Corpus Christi Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 3.8 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting improved corrosion control measures implemented after the 2015-2016 water quality incidents.
- Testing Scope: Corpus Christi conducts over 70,000 water quality tests annually, with enhanced monitoring for disinfection byproducts, corrosion indicators, and microbial parameters through a comprehensive sampling network.
- Compliance Status: Corpus Christi’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining full compliance with EPA and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations.
Surface Water Supply
- Nueces River System: Primary source (approximately 70% of supply) including Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, providing 85 billion gallons of storage capacity.
- Mary Rhodes Pipeline: Supplemental source (approximately 30% of supply) delivering Colorado River water from Lake Texana, with a recently completed Phase 2 extension increasing reliability.
- Drought Contingency: Comprehensive five-stage drought response plan with specific triggers based on combined reservoir levels, protecting water supplies during extended dry periods.
Treatment Excellence
- O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant: Recently upgraded facility utilizing coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, with capacity to treat 167 million gallons per day.
- Enhanced Disinfection: Primary chloramine disinfection with periodic free chlorine conversion maintenance periods to ensure distribution system integrity and biofilm control.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized pH adjustment and phosphate inhibitor addition to prevent corrosion in the distribution system, with continuous monitoring to maintain water stability.
Infrastructure Transformation
- Water System Improvement Program: $450 million investment in water infrastructure upgrades including treatment, transmission, and distribution improvements to address aging infrastructure and enhance water quality.
- Pipeline Replacement: Accelerated program replacing aging asbestos-cement and cast iron water mains, with priority for areas with water quality concerns or frequent breaks.
- Desalination Development: Progress on seawater desalination project to diversify water supply portfolio, with two permits secured and site selection underway for a 20 million gallon per day facility.
Coastal Resilience Planning
Corpus Christi has developed a comprehensive water resilience strategy addressing the unique challenges of its Gulf Coast location and susceptibility to tropical weather systems. The city’s “Water Supply Diversification Plan” and “Coastal Resiliency Master Plan” include measures to protect critical infrastructure from storm surge, enhance backup power capabilities, and ensure rapid service restoration following hurricane impacts. The utility has implemented automated distribution system controls that can isolate damaged segments and reroute water flow during emergencies. Corpus Christi’s water management approach now balances ecosystem needs with human consumption through environmental flow provisions for the Nueces Estuary. The city’s forward-looking planning emphasizes supply diversification with the development of alternative sources including seawater desalination and aquifer storage and recovery to reduce vulnerability to drought and strengthen overall system resilience against increasingly severe climate-driven disruptions.
Recommendations for Corpus Christi Residents
Request Water Testing
Corpus Christi residents can request free water quality testing by calling (361) 826-1800. This service is especially recommended for homes built before 1988, those with older plumbing, or residents who notice unusual water taste, odor, or appearance.
Consider Filtration
While Corpus Christi water meets all health standards, residents concerned about taste or disinfection byproducts may benefit from NSF-certified activated carbon filters (Standard 53). During free chlorine maintenance periods, filters can help reduce chlorine taste and odor.
Practice Conservation
Participate in Corpus Christi’s water conservation programs, including rebates up to $300 for WaterSense-labeled irrigation controllers and high-efficiency toilets. During drought periods, follow water restrictions based on the city’s drought stage announcements.
Prepare for Emergencies
Maintain an emergency water supply of at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days as part of hurricane preparedness. Sign up for CC Alert emergency notifications at cctexas.com/alerts to receive water advisories during storm events.
Report Water Issues
Report water main breaks, water quality concerns, or pressure problems immediately through the CC Mobile app or by calling (361) 826-CITY (2489). Prompt reporting helps prevent potential contamination and reduces water waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corpus Christi’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes, Corpus Christi’s tap water is safe to drink and meets all federal and state quality standards. The water undergoes comprehensive treatment at the O.N. Stevens Water Treatment Plant, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection processes.
Following water quality incidents in 2015-2016, the city implemented significant system improvements including enhanced monitoring, improved corrosion control, and strategic water main replacements. The water system now operates under strengthened oversight with additional safeguards.
Corpus Christi conducts over 70,000 water quality tests annually, with results showing consistent compliance with all health-based standards. If you notice unusual taste, odor, or appearance in your water, the city offers free testing services by calling (361) 826-1800.
What are “free chlorine conversions” and why are they necessary?
Corpus Christi periodically converts its water disinfection process from chloramines (combined chlorine and ammonia) to free chlorine as a preventative maintenance measure. These conversions typically occur 1-2 times per year and last approximately 4 weeks. Here’s why they’re necessary:
• Biofilm control: Free chlorine is more effective at removing biofilm buildup in the distribution system
• Distribution system maintenance: Helps maintain long-term water quality throughout the 1,600+ miles of water mains
• Nitrification prevention: Disrupts nitrification processes that can develop in chloramine-treated water systems
• Industry best practice: Recommended by regulatory agencies and water industry experts
During these periods, residents may notice a stronger chlorine smell and taste in their water, which can be reduced by using a pitcher filter or refrigerating water in an open container. These temporary changes in disinfection practice are safe and essential for maintaining long-term water quality.
How does Corpus Christi manage water supply during droughts?
Corpus Christi implements a comprehensive drought management approach to ensure water reliability during South Texas’ periodic dry spells:
• Diversified Supply: Water is sourced from multiple reservoirs including Lake Corpus Christi, Choke Canyon, and Lake Texana via the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, reducing vulnerability to localized drought
• Five-Stage Drought Contingency Plan: Progressive water restrictions triggered by combined reservoir capacity thresholds, ranging from voluntary conservation to emergency measures
• Water Conservation Programs: Year-round efficiency measures including rebates, educational outreach, and leak detection to reduce baseline demand
• Industrial Partnerships: Agreements with major industrial customers to reduce consumption during severe drought periods
• Alternative Water Development: Progress toward seawater desalination to provide drought-proof supplemental supply
This multi-faceted approach has helped Corpus Christi maintain reliable water service through several significant drought cycles. Current reservoir levels and drought stage information are available at cctexas.com/departments/water-utilities.
What improvements has Corpus Christi made to its water system?
Following the water quality challenges of 2015-2016, Corpus Christi has implemented extensive system improvements:
• O.N. Stevens Treatment Plant Upgrades: $75 million in modernization including enhanced coagulation systems, clarifier improvements, and advanced monitoring technology
• Water Main Replacement Program: Accelerated replacement of aging asbestos-cement and cast iron pipes, with over 60 miles of pipeline replaced since 2017
• Corrosion Control Optimization: Enhanced treatment protocols and monitoring to prevent corrosion and maintain distribution system integrity
• Elevated Storage: Construction of new elevated storage tanks improving system pressure and emergency reserves
• Mary Rhodes Pipeline Phase 2: Completion of additional transmission capacity increasing system reliability and drought resilience
• SCADA System Modernization: Implementation of advanced monitoring and control systems providing real-time operational oversight
These investments, totaling over $450 million, have significantly improved water quality, system reliability, and operational transparency. The city continues to implement its long-term Capital Improvement Program with additional projects planned through 2030.
Contaminants of Concern
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Formed when disinfectants (chlorine or chloramine) react with naturally occurring organic matter in surface water sources, particularly during warmer months or periods of higher organic content in reservoirs
Health Effects: Long-term exposure to elevated levels may increase risk of certain cancers and reproductive effects; short-term exposure is not considered an immediate health concern
Current Status: Monitored quarterly throughout the distribution system; levels fluctuate seasonally but remain below EPA limits; treatment adjustments are made when elevated levels are detected
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Source: Naturally occurring minerals in source water, especially during drought conditions when reservoir levels are low; increased concentration in coastal areas due to potential seawater influence
Effects: Higher levels can affect taste, create scaling on fixtures, and reduce effectiveness of soaps and detergents; not a health concern at levels found in Corpus Christi water
Current Levels: Typically range from 400-800 mg/L depending on reservoir conditions and seasonal factors EPA Secondary Standard: 500 mg/L (non-enforceable guideline based on aesthetic considerations)
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