Years of prolonged, severe drought and delays in implementation of new water sources contributed to Corpus Christi’s near water crisis earlier this year. The city was only months away from asking residents, business and industries to cut back their water usage by 25%.
On a panel Friday about the water and future of Corpus Christi, speakers concluded that this summer rains bought Corpus Christi time, but that time needs to be used wisely. The region is now looking toward bringing different types of water sources into its water system which could include recycling, groundwater and seawater desalination. The challenge will be turning those ideas into an implemented, coordinated long-term water plan before the next drought arrives, panelists said.
State Rep. Denise Villalobos, R-Corpus Christi, described reservoir levels — the city’s main source of water supply — falling to nearly 7% this summer, impacting water quality significantly and growing concerns about public health and the regional economy…