(NewsNation) — Corpus Christi, one of Texas’s largest cities, is fueling the nation’s energy boom, but it’s now running dangerously low on water due to huge energy plants hoarding the supply.
Companies, such as Tesla and ExxonMobil, along with refineries in the region, have been drawing heavily from the city’s shrinking water reserves. It’s a strain that officials warn could leave Corpus Christi without water by late next year, triggering emergency declarations.
It comes after years of worsening drought and soaring industrial demand and has led the Corpus Christi City Council to scrap a controversial $1.2 billion Inner Harbor desalination project. Leaders cited skyrocketing costs and environmental concerns for halting work on the plant.
Rare October storm brings heavy rain, possible mudslides to Southern California
Energy plant consumes 13% of Corpus Christi’s water supply
With Stage 3 drought restrictions now in effect and reservoir levels dropping, the 500,000 residents are being urged to reduce their water usage…