The Nueces County Sheriff’s Office operates two jail facilities that collectively use more than 3 million gallons of water each month to serve between 900 and 1,000 inmates.
“We’re a big user,” Hooper said.
The main jail at 901 Leopard Street houses approximately 450 inmates and uses about 1.6 million gallons of water monthly. The McKenzie Annex, a medium-security facility at 945 North Padre Island Drive, houses just over 400 inmates and consumes a similar amount each month.
Showers, toilets, and kitchen operations drive usage
Hooper said the highest water usage comes from showers and toilet flushing, but the facilities have implemented conservation measures over the past decade…