One of the busiest refining and petrochemical clusters on the Gulf Coast is now facing the most severe water shortage in its history. The city of Corpus Christi, Texas, which supports both a major industrial base and more than half a million residents across its service region, is warning officials that it could enter a Level 1 water emergency as soon as late next year. That designation would mean the city estimates only 180 days remain before water demand outpaces available supply.
That scenario would likely force curtailments in water use for industrial customers, including some petrochemical and refining plants. According to Bob Paulison, executive director of the Coastal Bend Industry Association, some facilities may have to shut down units or entire plants depending on how much and how long the industry is asked to reduce water usage.
“Plants that have more flexibility and can accept some curtailment may shut down units and parts of the plant,” Paulison said. “It depends on which plants you are talking about and how long and how much of a curtailment there is.”…