HomeMy WebLinkAbout033940 ORD - 06/02/2026 (2)1
Ordinance amending the Drought Contingency Plan and City Code of Ordinances
Chapter 55, Article XII Water Resources Management; establishing baseline
methodologies and curtailment percentage for water customers to determine water
allocations during a Level 1 Water Emergency; establishing optional Surcharge Fee
Measures during Level 1 Water Emergency; exempting customers from enforcement
for exceeding baseline or allocation; and providing for penalties and publication
Be it ordained by the City Council for the City of Corpus Christi, Texas:
Section 1. That Chapter 55 Article XII Water Resource Management is amended by
adding the underlined text and deleting the text that is stricken as shown below:
ARTICLE XII. WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT1
Sec. 55-150. Scope, purpose, authorization, and definitions.
(a) Scope. There is hereby established a City of Corpus Christi Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency
Plan. The City of Corpus Christi Water Conservation Plan Revised 2020 edition, and the Drought Contingency
Plan Revised 2025 edition, approved March 18, 2025, as amended by ordinance on April 14, 2026, a true
copy of each which is on file in the office of the city secretary, have been adopted, and shall be followed in
matters concerning water conservation, drought management, and water supply enhancement programs.
(b) Declaration of policy.
(1) It is hereby declared that the general welfare requires that the water resources available to the city be
put to the maximum beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that the waste or
unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and the conservation of such
water is to be extended with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interests of the
people of the area served by the city's water resources and for the public welfare.
(2) In making decisions under this article concerning the allocation of water between conflicting interests,
highest priority will be given to allocation necessary to support human life and health; i.e., the
minimum amount of water necessary for drinking, prevention of disease, and the like. Second highest
priority will be given to allocations which will result in the least Toss of employment to persons whose
income is essential to their families.
(c) Authorization. The city manager, or his designee, upon the recommendation of the chief operating officer for
Corpus Christi Water, is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable provisions of this article
upon their determination that such implementation is necessary to protect the public welfare and safety.
Any non -emergency changes to the drought stages and restrictions outside article XII must have city council
approval.
(d) Definitions. The following terms used in this article are defined as follows:
(1) "City manager" means the city manager or the city manager's designee.
'Editor's notes) —Ord. No. 24396, § 1, adopted Mar. 20, 2001, amended art. XII, in its entirety, to read as herein
set out. Former art. XII pertained to similar subject matter. See the Code Comparative Table.
033940
SCANNED
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(2) "Drip irrigation" means an irrigation system that applies water through a network of tubes, pipes,
valves, and emitters that slowly drips water to the roots of plants to minimize evaporation. Soaker
hoses are not a substitute for a proper drip irrigation system.
(3) "Fountain" means an artificially created jet or stream of water; a structure, often decorative.
(4) "Industrial customers use of water for processing" means the use of water in processes designed to
convert materials of lower value into forms having greater usability.
(5) "Non -essential purpose" means water uses that are not essential or not required for the protection of
public health, safety and welfare.
(6) "Non-exempt large volume accounts" means a large volume account that is not paying the non -
mandatory drought surcharge exemption fee pursuant to section 55-159.1.
(7) "Director" means the chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee.
(8) "Wholesale customer" is a public or private utility that purchases water from the city through a written
contract that authorizes the resale of water to third parties or classifies the utility as a wholesale
customer..
(9) "Essential water use" means water use necessary to sustain public health, welfare, safety, sanitation
and fire protection.
(10 "Auxiliary water supply" means water supply from a source that does not originate from Corpus
Christi's water supply system, whether treated or raw.
(11) "Multi -family account" means a utility account that services multiple residential units.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No. 029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No.
030545, § 1, 7-14-2015; Ord. No. 031355, § 1, 1-30-2018; Ord. No. 031533, § 1, 9-11-2018; Ord. No. 032238, § 2,
10-13-2020; Ord. No. 033597, § 1, 3-18-2025)
Sec. 55-151. Water conservation measures at all times.
(a) The following measures are year-round water conservation best management practices that are in effect at
all times, regardless of the reservoir levels or drought contingency levels:
(1) Prohibition on wasting water: Actions leading to wasting of water are prohibited and will be enforced.
No person shall:
a. Allow water to run off property into gutters or streets.
b. Permit or maintain defective plumbing in a home, business establishment or any location where
water is used on the premises. Defective plumbing includes out -of -repair water closets,
underground leaks, defective or leaking faucets and taps.
c. Allow water to flow constantly through a tap, hydrant, valve, or otherwise by any use of water
connected to the city water system.
d. Use any non -recycling decorative water fountain.
e. Allow irrigation heads or sprinklers to spray directly on paved surfaces such as driveways, parking
lots, and sidewalks in public rights -of -way.
f. Operate an irrigation system at water pressure higher than recommended, causing heads to mist,
or to operate with broken heads.
(2) Time of irrigation: Irrigation by spray or sprinklers is prohibited between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m. It is still permissible to water by hand or by drip irrigation at any time of day, unless the city
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enters Reservoir System Stage 3. However, the use of water is permitted at any hour for short periods
of time for testing related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of sprinkler systems.
(3) Restaurant water saving: Commercial dining facilities must only serve water upon request.
(4) Auxiliary water supply. It is recommended to use auxiliary water supplies if available.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24726, § 1, 1-8-2002; Ord. No. 026235, § 1, 4-26-2005; Ord. No. 026542,
§ 1, 11-15-2005; Ord. No. 028141, § 1, 4-28-2009; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No. 029946, § 1, 9-10-
2013; Ord. No. 031355, § 1, 1-30-2018)
Sec. 55-152. Drought management: Reservoir system stages.
(a) The level of reservoir system severity determines the extent of potential water use restrictions that shall be
implemented. Following are the levels of reservoir system in the form of stages:
(1) Water shortage watch stage.
(2) Stage 1: Mild water shortage watch.
(3) Stage 2: Moderate water shortage.
(4) Stage 3: Critical water shortage.
(5) Water emergency.
(b) Criteria for initiation and termination of reservoir system response stages:
(1) The city manager, or designee, shall monitor water supply and/or demand conditions on a weekly basis
and shall determine when conditions warrant initiation or termination of each stage, that is, when the
specified "triggers" are reached. However, the city manager, in the exercise of the city manager's
discretion, may initiate or terminate any stage or restriction(s) at any particular time, as deemed
necessary.
(2) The triggering criterion to be monitored for determining reservoir system response stages is the
combined reservoir storage levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi.
(3) Whenever any of the stages listed below are triggered, the city manager shall publish a public notice of
the particular stage, in the daily newspaper of general circulation in Nueces County.
(4) To the extent of city's legal authority, the city manager shall require the city's raw water and wholesale
treated water customers to issue public notice advising their water customers of conservation and
drought management activities consistent with the stages listed below.
(c) The triggering criterions are as follows:
(1) Water shortage watch:
a. Requirements for initiation. Customers shall be requested to voluntarily conserve water and
adhere to prescribed conditions on specific water uses when the combined storage levels of
Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi fall below fifty (50) per cent.
b. Requirements for termination. The watch may be terminated when the combined storage levels
of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi increase above fifty (50) per cent for fifteen
(15) consecutive calendar days.
(2) Stage 1 - Mild water shortage:
a. Requirements for initiation. Stage 1 begins when the combined reservoir storage level declines
below forty (40) per cent. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and
restrictions on certain non -essential water users described in section 55-153.
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b. Requirement for termination. Stage 1 may be terminated when the combined storage level
increases above fifty (50) per cent.
(3) Stage 2 - Moderate water shortage:
a. Requirements for initiation. Stage 2 begins when the combined storage level declines below thirty
(30) per cent. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on
certain non -essential water uses described in section 55-153.
b. Requirement for termination. Stage 2 may be terminated when the combined storage level
increases above forty (40) per cent. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes operative.
(4) Stage 3 - Critical water shortage:
a. Requirements for initiation. Stage 3 begins when the combined storage level declines below
twenty (20) per cent. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and
restrictions on certain non -essential water uses described in section 55-153.
b. Requirement for termination. Stage 3 may be terminated when the combined storage level
increases above thirty (30) per cent. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes operative.
(5) Water emergency:
a. Level 1 water emergency.
1. Trigger for initiation. A Level 1 water emergency begins when the city manager, or
designee, determines that the city is within one hundred eighty (180) days of its total water
supply not meeting its water demands. The one hundred eighty -day trigger is in accordance
with Texas Administrative Code Title 30 Rule § 290.41(b)(1) for water resources. The city
manager or designee can modify the timing of triggering a Level 1 water emergency if the
regional demands can be fully met with alternative water sources other than the combined
reservoir storage. Other sources may include water from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline or
future water supplies
2. Trigger for termination. The Level 1 water emergency may be terminated when the city
manager, or designee, determines that the city's total water supply can meet the total
regional demands for more than one hundred eighty (180) days.
b. Level 2 water emergency.
1. Trigger for initiation. A Level 2 water emergency begins when the city manager, or
designee determines that a water supply emergency exists, which causes the demand to
exceed the supply, subsequently leading to imminent failure to maintain pressure that
meets TCEQ minimum standards, including, but not limited to:
(i) Major catastrophic infrastructure failure including, but not limited to, failure of
a dam or spillway structure, failure of a major water line such as the MRP or
other large diameter water lines, and/or failure of the city's water treatment
facilities like O.N. Stevens or other critical re -pump stations; or
(ii) Water production or distribution system limitations; or
(iii) Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source.
2. Trigger for termination. The water emergency may be terminated when the city manager,
or designee, deems appropriate.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 1, 9-11-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No.
029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No. 030545, § 1, 7-14-2015; Ord. No. 031160, § 1, 5-30-2017; Ord. No. 031355, § 1, 1-
30-2018; Ord. No. 033597, § 1, 3-18-2025)
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Sec. 55-153. Drought stages: Best management practices per stage.
(a) In order to achieve water use reductions, a series of best management practices will be enacted and
enforced at each reservoir system stage. These best management practices (BMP) are listed below by stage.
During Stages 1, 2, and 3, requests for exceptions may be presented to the chief operating officer for Corpus
Christi or designee.
(b) Water shortage watch stage.
(1) Target: Achieve a voluntary five (5) per cent reduction in daily treated water use.
a. Water customers are requested to voluntarily limit the irrigation of landscaped areas to once per
week.
b. Water customers are requested to practice water conservation and to minimize or discontinue
water use for non -essential purposes.
c. All operations of the city shall adhere to water use restrictions prescribed for Stage 1.
d. Water smart techniques will be promoted by city leadership, city council and city departments.
(c) Stage 1 response - Mild water shortage.
(1) Target: During Stage 1, achieve a five (5) per cent reduction in daily treated water demand with the
water use restrictions below.
(2) The best management practices for supply management: The city will also do the following during
Stage 1:
a. Use more repair crews if necessary to allow for a quicker response time for water line leak repair;
and
(3)
b. City crews (water and other departments) begin monitoring customers' compliance with Stage 1
restrictions during the course of their daily rounds.
c. City departments will make every effort to conserve water including no new landscape
installation, no filling of ponds, and reducing the use of city -owned ornamental fountains.
d. Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction.
e. Increase targeted outreach to high consumption industrial and commercial customers to urge
water use reductions.
f. Use auxiliary water supplies if available.
Under threat of penalty for violation, the following water use restrictions shall apply to all persons
during Stage 1:
a. Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose -end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be
limited to once per week. The watering schedule will be determined by the city manager or
designee. Customers will be made aware of their designated watering day in accordance with the
drought contingency plan. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted on any day if it is
by means of a hand-held hose (with positive shutoff nozzle), a faucet filled bucket or watering
can of five (5) gallons or less, or drip irrigation system with a positive shutoff device. Exceptions
for this restriction may be permitted, upon review and approval by the chief operating officer for
Corpus Christi Water, or his designee for the following uses: new plantings (for up to sixty (60)
days), vegetable gardens, athletic playing fields, and botanical gardens. In addition, this
restriction does not apply to customers irrigating with wellwater or an aerobic septic system or
other auxiliary water supply. Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system
must apply for an exemption from Corpus Christi Water to be prominently posted on the
premises within two (2) feet of the street number located on the premises.
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b. No watering or irrigating of landscape areas by hose -end sprinkler or automatic irrigation system
will be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to prevent evaporation loss.
c. Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities, or other activities
necessary to maintain essential water use except that use of water from designated fire hydrants
for construction purposes may be allowed under special exemption from Corpus Christi Water.
c. Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, and fairways is prohibited except on
designated watering days. However, if the golf course utilizes reclaimed water or a water source
other than that provided through City of Corpus Christi infrastructure, the facility shall not be
subject to these regulations.
d. The use of water to maintain integrity of building foundations is limited to designated watering
days.
(d) Stage 2 response - Moderate water shortage.
(1) Target: During Stage 2, achieve a ten (10) per cent reduction in total daily treated water demand
relative to treated water demand with the water use restrictions below.
(2) Best management practices for supply management: In addition to the best management practices for
supply management listed under Stage 1, the city will also do the following during Stage 2:
a. Eliminate the flushing of water mains unless required for decontamination and/or public safety;
and
b. Review customers' water usage for compliance based on the previous month's water use and
notify violators verbally or in writing as the situation dictates.
c. Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction.
(3) Water use restrictions for demand reduction: All requirements of Stage 1 shall remain in effect during
Stage 2 except as modified below:
a. Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose -end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be
limited to once every other week. The watering schedule will be determined by the city manager
or designee. Customers will be made aware of their designated watering day. However, irrigation
of landscaped areas is permitted on any day if it is by means of a hand-held hose (with positive
shutoff nozzle), a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or less, or drip irrigation
system with a positive shutoff device.
1. Exceptions for this restriction may be permitted, upon review and approval by the chief
operating officer for Corpus Christi Water, or his designee, for the following uses: new
plantings (for up to sixty (60) days), vegetable gardens, athletic playing fields, and botanical
gardens. In addition, this restriction does not apply to customers irrigating with well water
or an aerobic septic system or any other auxiliary water supply. Customers irrigating with
well water or an aerobic septic system shall still apply for a permit from Corpus Christi
Water to be prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet of the street number
located on the premises.
b. The watering of golf course fairways with potable water is prohibited. The watering of greens and
tees are limited to once every other week unless the golf course utilizes reclaimed water or a
water source other than that provided through City of Corpus Christi infrastructure or done by
means of hand-held hoses, or hand-held buckets.
c. A person or entity who owns, leases or manages an outdoor swimming pool (including city -
owned pools) shall begin preparation for Stage 3 requirements to have approximately one
hundred (100) per cent of the pool surface area covered when not in use.
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d. Hotels, motels and other lodgings must offer and clearly notify guests of a "linen/towel change
on request only" program.
e. Use of water to wash a motor vehicle, not occurring on the premises of a commercial car wash La
allowed on the designated Stage 2 watering day or by hand, using a five gallon bucket or smaller.
Use of water to wash anv motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle, not occurring
on the premises of a commercial car wash station, is allowed on anv day if washing using a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle or a five (5) gallon bucket or smaller.
(4) During Stage 2, the following surcharge measures are optional water use restrictions that may be
implemented by the city manager, or designee, with city council approval, as conditions warrant:
a. The following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
(i) For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(ii) For residential accounts, a surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons
over seven thousand (7,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(iii) For commercial accounts, a surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons over fifty-five thousand (55,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(iv) For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of three dollars ($3.00) per one
thousand (1,000) gallons over twelve million eight hundred forty-two thousand
(12,842,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(v) For wholesale customers, a surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons for volumes exceeding the last twelve-month average usage by twenty-five (25) per
cent for the twelve-month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to
the customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
(e) Stage 3 response - Critical water shortage.
(1) Target: During Stage 3, achieve a fifteen (15) per cent or greater reduction in daily treated water
demand relative to treated water demand with the water use restrictions below.
(2) Best management practices for supply management: In addition to the best management practices for
supply management listed under Stage 2, the city will also do the following during Stage 3:
a. Upon written notice, disconnect the water meters of willful violators if absolutely necessary to
prevent the deliberate wasting of water.
b. Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction.
(3) Water use restrictions for demand reduction: All requirements of Stages 1 and 2 shall remain in effect
during Stage 3 except as modified below:
a. Irrigation of turf grass by any means shall be prohibited at all times.
b. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses for foundations and landscaped beds is are allowed every other
week on the designated watering day. The watering schedule will be determined by the city
manager or designee. Customers will be made aware of their designated watering day.
c. Watering of trees, vegetable beds, shrubs, and potted plants is permitted on any day if it is by
means of a handheld hose with a positive shutoff nozzle, a faucet -filled bucket, or a watering can
of five (5) gallons or less.
d. Exceptions for Stage 3 restrictions may be permitted up to thirty (30) days, upon review and
approval by the chief operating officer or designee, for new plantings. In addition, this restriction
does not apply to customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system or any other
auxiliary water supply. Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system shall still
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apply for a permit from Corpus Christi Water to be prominently posted on the premises within
two (2) feet of the street number located on the premises.
e. Use of water to wash a motor vehicle, not occurring on -the premises of a commercial car wash i:,
allowed by hand, with a five (5) gallon bucket or less, on the designated watering day. Use of
water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle, not occurring on the
premises of a commercial car wash station, is allowed on any day if washing using a hand-held
hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle or a five (5) gallon bucket or smaller.
f. The filling, refilling, or adding of water to swimming pools, wading pools, and jacuzzi-type pools,
and hot tubs is prohibited except to maintain structural integrity.
The person or entity who owns, leases, or manages an outdoor swimming pool (including city -
owned pools) shall have approximately one hundred (100) per cent of the pool surface area
covered when not in use. A request for an exemption or variance from this provision for pools
that have a water -saving feature may be submitted by submitting an application for
exemption/variance.
h. Operator of a water park must seek approval of the chief operating officer of Corpus Christi
Water or designee, prior to the filling, refilling, or adding water to water park.
i. All fountains shall only operate to circulate water in order to maintain equipment.
g•
j•
Hotels, motels, and other lodging must offer and clearly notify guests of a "linen/towel change on
request only" program.
(4) During Stage 3, the following measures are optional water use restrictions that may be implemented
by the city manager, or designee, with city council approval, as conditions warrant:
a. The following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
(i) For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(ii) For residential accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons over seven thousand (7,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(iii) For commercial accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons over fifty-five thousand (55,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(iv) For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of six dollars ($6.00) per one thousand
(1,000) gallons over twelve million eight hundred forty-two thousand (12,842,000) gallons
will be added to the customers' bill.
(v) For wholesale customers, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons for volumes exceeding the last twelve-month average usage by twenty-five (25) per
cent for the twelve-month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to
the customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
(f) Water emergency.
(1) Level 1 water emergency. In the event that the triggering criteria specified in section 872 8_5- Level 1
Water Emergency of the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). is met, City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or
designee is hereby authorized to implement pro rata curtailment of water supplies to all customers in
accordance with V.T.C.A., Watcr Code § 11.039 Section 55-154. The initiation ofe-rata curtailment
preparations shall begin during Stage 3.
a. Target: During a Level 1 water emergency, curtailment will be required and may start at five (5)
per cent or greater reduction of the total water demand, depending on the forecasted water
supply conditions. Surcharges and allocations are enforceable during a water emergency, as
described in section 155-154.
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b. Best management practices for supply management: In addition to the best management
practices for supply management listed under Stage 3, the city will also do the following:
• Implement a planned public campaign to inform all customers of the water emergency and
to mandate the immediate curtailment of water.
• Contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand conditions and
inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail their water
consumption as necessary.
• Contact large-volume/industrial users to discuss water supply and/or demand conditions
and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail their water
consumption as necessary.
c. Water use restrictions for demand reduction: During a Level 1 water emergency, all requirements
of Stage 1, 2, and 3 shall remain in effect except as modified below:
1. Irrigation of all landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
2. Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle is
3. Associated uses of water not related to business processes which are discretionary, such as
equipment washing, shall be deferred until the water emergency has been terminated.
(2) Level 2 water emergency.
a. During a Level 2 water emergency, achieve the necessary reduction in daily water demand to meet
minimum system pressure requirements with the below water use restrictions. In addition, during
a Level 2 water emergency all requirements from a Level 1 water emergency may be authorized
under this section. Surcharges and curtailments are enforceable during a water emergency, as
described in section 55-154. During an actual water shortage, the City Manager or designee is
authorized to implement pro-rata curtailment of water supplies to all customers in accordance
with V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.039.
b. Best management practices for supply management: In addition to the best management
practices for supply management listed under Stage 3, the city will also do the following:
• Implement a public campaign to inform all customers of the water emergency and to
mandate the immediate curtailment of water.
• Contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand conditions and
inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail their water
consumption as necessary.
• Contact large-volume/industrial users to discuss water supply and/or demand conditions
and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail their water
consumption as necessary.
c. Water use restrictions for demand reduction: During a water emergency, all requirements of
Stage 1, 2, and 3 shall remain in effect except as modified below:
1. Irrigation of all landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
2. Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle is
absolutely prohibited.
3. Associated uses of water not related to business process which are discretionary, such as
equipment washing, shall be deferred until the water emergency has been terminated.
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(3) During a Level 1 and Level 2 water emergency, the following surcharge measures are optional water
use restrictions that may be implemented by the city manager, or designee, with city council approval,
as conditions warrant:
a. No application for new, additional, expanded, or increased -in -size water service connections,
meters, service lines, pipeline extensions, mains, or water service facilities of any kind shall be
approved, and time limits for approval of such applications are hereby suspended for such time
as this drought response stage shall be in effect.
b. The following r rchargc will 4.c 3drin^I 4n ustomcrlr w Ir
1. For irri_ation account, the monthly surcharge is -four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand
{1,000) gallons.
2. For residential account, thc monthly surcharge is four dollars ($400) per one thousand
{1,000) _allons over seven thousand (7,000) gallons.
3. For commercial account, the monthly surcharge is -four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand
{1,000) gallons over fifty five thousand (55,000) gallons.
1. For non exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of twelve dollars ($12.00) per one
thousand (1,000) gallons over twelve million eight hundred forty two thousand
{12,842,000) gallons will be added to thc customers' bill.
_allons exceeding the last twelve month average usage by twenty five (25) per cent for the
twelve month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the
customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 2, 9-11-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No.
029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No. 030545, § 1, 7-14-2015; Ord. No. 031160, § 1, 5-30-2017; Ord. No. 031355, § 1, 1-
30-2018; Ord. No. 033597, § 1, 3-18-2025)
Sec. 55-154. Baselines, Allocations and Surcharges for drought Stages 2, 3, and water
emergency.
(a) General.
(1) The baselines, allocations, and surcharges established in this article are solely intended to regulate and
deter the use of water during a period of serious drought in order to achieve necessary water
conservation. The city council expressly finds that the drought poses a serious and immediate threat to
the public and economic health and general welfare of this community, and that the surcharges and
other measures adopted herein are essential to protect said public health and welfare.
(2) This section, and the surcharges and measures adopted herein are an exercise of the city's regulatory
and police power, and the surcharges and connection fees are conservation rates intended to meet
fixed costs as a result of lost revenue.
(3) With city council approval by resolution, the city manager or designee is authorized to determine
trigger points and initiate surcharges during Stages 2, 3 and a water emergency.
(4) A customer may appeal a baseline, allocation, or drought surcharge established under this section to
the chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee on grounds of unnecessary hardship,
through the process outlined in this article.
(5) Drought surcharge funds will first be applied towards annual debt service payments and operating and
maintenance expenses of the water department as reflected in the city operating budget to offset
11
revenue loss due to drought conditions. Additional funds will be reported to city council for city council
direction.
"Baseline" means the determined water usage of each customer based on the
methodology established in this section. Residential and commercial accounts have
monthly baselines. Large volume and wholesale water have seasonal baselines as
described below.
u "Curtailment" means the required percentage reduction of water supplies to all
customers necessary to meet water demand. The curtailment is 25% during a Level 1
Water Emergency.
u "Allocation" is calculated by reducing the customer's baseline by the curtailment
percentage.
,l During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the monthly baseline for a City of Corpus Christi
residential water customer account is 8,000 gallons per month.
(10) During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the monthly baseline for each City of Corpus Christi
commercial water customer account is the average of the account's monthly usages from
2021 through 2023, excluding the lowest monthly value for each calendar month.
(11) During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal
baselines for a large volume account of the City of Corpus Christi equal the total of the
account's average monthly usages from 2022 through 2024 as follows, excluding the
lowest monthly value for each calendar month:
Summer seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from June
through September;
Spring/Fall seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from April -
May and October -November;
Winter seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from January -
March and December.
(12) During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal
baselines for a City of Corpus Christi wholesale water customer account (including San
Patricio Municipal Water District, South Texas Water Authority, City of Mathis, City of
Alice, City of Beeville, Violet Water Supply Corporation, Nueces County Water Control and
Improvement District No.3 and Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District
No. 4) equal the total of the account's average monthly usages from 2022 through 2024
as follows, excluding the lowest monthly value for each calendar month:
Summer seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from June
through September;
Spring/Fall seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from April -
May and October -November;
12
Winter seasonal baseline: total of the account's average monthly usages from January -
March and December.
(13) Customers who exceed the baselines or allocations are not subject to citation.
(14) During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the monthly baseline for a Corpus Christi multi -family
account is the average of the account's monthly usages during 2023 through 2025,
excluding the lowest monthly usage for each calendar month.
(b) During Stage 2 the following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
(1) For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
(2) For residential accounts, a surcharge of one dollars ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
seven thousand (7,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(3) For commercial accounts, a surcharge of one dollars ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
fifty-five thousand (55,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(4) For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of three dollars ($3.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons over twelve million eight hundred forty-two thousand (12,842,000) gallons will be added to the
customers' bill.
(5) For wholesale customers, a surcharge of one dollars ($1.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons for
volumes exceeding the last twelve-month average usage by twenty-five (25) per cent for the twelve-
month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the customers' bill, except as
otherwise provided by contract.
(c) During Stage 3 the following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
(1) For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
(2) For residential accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
seven thousand (7,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(3) For commercial accounts, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
fifty-five thousand (55,000) gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
(4) For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of six dollars ($6.00) per one thousand (1,000)
gallons over twelve million eight hundred forty-two thousand (12,842,000) gallons will be added to the
customers' bill.
(5)
For wholesale customers, a surcharge of two dollars ($2.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons for
volumes exceeding the last twelve-month average usage by twenty-five (25) per cent for the twelve-
month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the customers' bill, except as
otherwise provided by contract.
(d) During a water emergency, the following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
(1) For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
(2) For residential accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
ccvcn thousand (7,000) .allons the allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above
the baseline will be added to the customer's bill.
13
(3) For commercial accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over
fifty five thousand (55,000) gallons the individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per
1,000 gallons above the baseline will be added to the customer's bill.
(4) For fae+i-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of twelve dollars ($12.00) $4.00 per one thousand
(1,000) gallons over the
individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will
be added to the customers' bill.
(5)
For wholesale customers, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over the
individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will
be added to the customer's monthly bill for volumes exceeding the last twelve month average usage
added to the customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
(6) For multi -family accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one thousand (1,000) gallons over the
individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will
be added to the customer's bill.
fe) Federal government, State government, and political subdivisions of the State are exempt from these
surcharges.
(f) Contractual remedies not affected. Nothing in this section supersedes any remedies available to the city under
any contract with wholesale treated water customer due to the customer's failure to adopt or impose water
conservation or drought contingency measures required by the contract.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No. 029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No.
031355, § 1, 1-30-2018; Ord. No. 031533, § 2, 9-11-2018; Ord. No. 033597, § 1, 3-18-2025)
Sec. 55-155. Requests for exemptions and variances.
(a) The chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water or his designee, may, in writing, grant a temporary
variance to any of the provisions for water users found in this article XII upon determination that failure to
grant such variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, sanitation, or
fire protection for the public or person requesting such a variance.
(b) A person requesting an exemption or variance from the provisions of this article shall file request on city -
provided application for an exemption/variance with the city water department within five (5) days after a
particular reservoir system response stage has been invoked. All request forms shall be reviewed by the chief
operating officer for Corpus Christi Water or his designee, and shall include the following:
(1) Name and address of the water user(s).
(2) Purpose of water use.
(3) Specific provision(s) of the ordinance from which the water user is requesting relief.
(4) Detailed statement as to how the specific provision of the ordinance adversely affects the water user
or what damage or harm will occur to the water user or others if water user complies with this plan.
(5) Description of the exemption or variance requested.
(6) Period of time for which the exemption or variance is sought.
(7) Alternative water use restrictions or other measures the water user is taking or proposes to take to
meet the intent of this plan and the compliance date.
(8) Other pertinent information; or as required on permit application.
14
(c) No exemption nor variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this article occurring prior
to the issuance of the exemption/variance.
(d) The chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water or his designee shall consider requests of water users for
special consideration to be given as to their respective particular circumstances and is hereby authorized to,
in special cases, grant such variance from the terms of this plan if such compliance would cause an
emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, sanitation, or fire protection for the public or
person requesting such a variance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special
conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this plan will result in unnecessary hardship, and so that
the spirit of this plan shall be observed and substantial justice done.
(e) Should a permit for special exception be granted, it shall be in effect from the time of granting through the
termination of the then current stage, unless revoked by the chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water
for noncompliance; provided, that the permit is prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet of
the street number located on the premises. However, during Stage 3, exception to allow watering of new
plantings may be permitted for up to thirty (30) days.
(f) A person denied request for permit or exception from these rules may appeal the decision to the chief
operating officer for Corpus Christi Water by submitting written request for appeal within five (5) business
days from issuance of denial. The decision of the chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water shall be
final.
(g) Violations of any permit condition may be enforced under section 55-156.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 3, 9-11-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No.
029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No. 031355, § 1, 1-30-2018; Ord. No. 033597, § 1, 3-18-2025)
Sec. 55-156. Violations, penalties, and enforcement.
(a) A violation under this article is a Class C misdemeanor. Any person that violates any provision of this article
shall be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per violation per day. The culpable
mental state required by V.T.C.A., Penal Code § 6.02 is specifically negated and dispensed with and a
violation of this article is a strict liability offense.
(b) The commission of a violation of each provision, and each separate violation thereof, shall be deemed a
separate offense, in and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined as hereinabove provided.
(c) If any person or a second person in the same household or premises, is found guilty of a second violation of
this article, the superintendent shall be authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such
violation occurs.
(d) Cases filed under this section shall be expedited and given preferential setting in municipal court before all
other cases.
(e) Any person whose name is on file with the utilities billing office as the customer on the water account for the
property where the violation occurs or originates shall be presumed to be the violator, and proof that the
violation occurred on said premises shall constitute prima facie evidence that the customer committed the
violation, but said customer shall have the right to show that he did not commit the violation.
(f) If any person fails to respond to a citation or summons issued for a violation of this article within the time
allowed, upon receipt of notice from the director or a judge of the municipal courts, the superintendent is
authorized to discontinue water service to the premises where such violation occurs.
(g) Water customers are not subiect to violations, penalties, or enforcement for exceeding their baseline or
exceeding their allocation.
(Supp. No. 44, Update 1)
Created: 2026-04-14 13:28:40 (EST]
Page 14 of 15
15
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 4, 9-11-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No.
029946, § 1, 9-10-2013)
Sec. 55-157. Reserved.
Editor's note(s)-Ord. No. 033742, § 1, adopted Sept. 9, 2025, deleted § 55-157, which pertained to effluent water
discharged from sewage treatment plants for watering lawns, grass, and dust control uses and derived from:
Ord. No. 24396, § 1, adopted March 20, 2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 4, adopted Sept. 11, 2001; and Ord. No.
031700, § 3, adopted March 19, 2019. See § 55-590 similar provisions.
Sec. 55-158. Operations plan for reservoir system.
To maximize the amount of water reliably available to the city and its water customers, the city manager
shall operate the Lake Corpus Christi/Choke Canyon Reservoir System as follows:
(1) A minimum of two thousand (2,000) acre-feet per month will be released from Choke Canyon
Reservoir to meet conditions of the release agreement between the City of Corpus Christi and the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
(2) In order to provide maximum dependable yield from the two (2) reservoirs, the water level in Lake
Corpus Christi will be allowed to drop to elevation seventy-four (74) feet before water is released from
Choke Canyon Reservoir in excess of the two thousand (2,000) acre-feet per month requirement.
(3) Under the agreed order of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality under Certificate of
Adjudication No. 21-3214, city shall: (1) reduce targeted inflows of water to Nueces Bay to one
thousand two hundred (1,200) acre-feet when reservoir system storage falls below forty (40) per cent
of capacity; and (2) suspend targeted inflows when reservoir system storage falls below thirty (30) per
cent of capacity.
(Ord. No. 24396, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 24576, § 4, 9-11-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No.
029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No. 031700, § 2, 3-19-2019)
Sec. 55-159. Procedures for allocating water to raw water and wholesale treated water
customers on a pro rata basis during a water shortage.
(1) A raw water or wholesale treated water customer's monthly allocation shall be a percentage of the
customer's water usage baseline.
the city manager's assessment of the severity of the water shortage condition and the need to curtail
Once pro rata allocation is in effect, water diversions by or deliveries to each raw
water or wholesale treated water customer shall be limited to the allocation established for each
month.
{2) A monthly water usage allocation shall be established by the city manager, or the city manager's
designee, for each raw water or wholesale treated water customer. The raw water or wholesale
(3)
The city manager shall provide notice, by certified mail, to each raw water or wholesale treated water
customer informing them of their monthly water usage allocations and shall notify the news media and
(Supp. No. 44, Update 1)
Created: 2026-04-14 13:28:40 (EST]
Page 15 of 16
16
the Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality upon initiation of pro rata
water allocation.
(4) Upon request of the raw water or wholesale treated water customer or at the initiative of the city
manager, the allocation may be reduced or increased if:
a. The designated period does not accurately reflect the raw water or wholesale treated water
customer's normal water usage;
b. The customer agrees to transfer part of its allocation to another raw water or wholesale treated
water customer; or
c. Other objective evidence demonstrates that the designated allocation is inaccurate under
present conditions. A customer may appeal an allocation established under this section to the
City Council of the City of Corpus Christi.
(b) Pro rata surcharges and enforcement.
(1) During any period when pro rata allocation of available water supplies is in -effect, wholesale customers
•shall pay the following surcharges on cxccss water diversions:
a: Two (2.0) times the normal water charge per unit for water diversions and/or deliveries in excefz
of the monthly allocation up through five (5) per cent above thc monthly allocation.
b. Two and one half (2.5) times the normal water charge per unit for water diversions and/er
deliveries in cxccss of the monthly allocation from five (5) per cent through ten (10) per ccnt
above the monthly allocation.
c. Three (3.0) times the normal water charge per unit for water diversions and/or deliveries in
excess of the monthly allocation from ten (10) per cent through fifteen (15) per cent above the
monthly allocation.
d. Three and one half (3.5) times thc normal water charge per unit for water diversions and/or
deliveries more than fifteen (15) per cent above the monthly allocation.
(c) Variances.
(1) The city manager, or the city manager's designee, may, in writing, grant a temporary variance to the
pro rata water allocation policies provided by this section if it is determined that failure to grant such
variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting the public health, welfare, or safety,
and if one (1) or more of the following conditions are met:
a. Compliance cannot be technically accomplished during the duration of the water supply shortage
or other condition for which the plan is in effect.
b. Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same level of reduction in water
use.
(2)
(3)
Raw water or wholesale treated water customers requesting an exemption from the provisions of this
section shall file a petition for variance with the city manager within five (5) days after pro rata
allocation has been invoked.
All petitions for variances shall be reviewed by the city council, and shall include the following:
a. Name and address of the petitioner(s).
b. Detailed statement with supporting data and information as to how the pro rata allocation of
water under the policies and procedures established in this section adversely affects the
petitioner or what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner or others if petitioner complies
with this section.
c. Description of the relief requested.
17
d. Period of time for which the variance is sought.
e. Alternative measures the petitioner is taking or proposes to take to meet the intent of this
section and the compliance date.
f. Other pertinent information.
(4) Variances granted by the city council shall be subject to the following conditions, unless waived or
modified by the city council:
a. Variances granted shall include a timetable for compliance.
b. Variances granted shall expire when the pro-rata allocation of water to raw water or wholesale
treated water customers is no longer in effect, unless the petitioner has failed to meet specified
requirements.
c. No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this section occurring prior to
the issuance of the variance.
(d). Contractual remedies not affected. Nothing in this section supersedes any remedies available to the city under
any contract with a raw water or wholesale treated water customer due to the customer's failure to adopt or
impose water conservation measures required by the contract.
(Ord. No. 24605, § 1, 10-9-2001; Ord. No. 029846, § 3, 5-28-2013; Ord. No. 029946, § 1, 9-10-2013; Ord. No.
031355, § 1, 1-30-2018)
Editor's note(s)—Formerly numbered § 55-159.1.
SECTION 2. The Corpus Christi Drought Contingency Plan as shown on attached and
incorporated Exhibit is hereby adopted. The Drought Contingency Plan adopted by
Ordinance 033597 as amended by Ordinance on April 14, 2026 is hereby amended to
reflect these changes. The amended Drought Contingency Plan is to be filed of record in
the City Secretary's Office. City staff is directed to submit the amended plan to the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board.
SECTION 3. Publication shall be made in the official publication of the City of Corpus
Christi as required by the City Charter of the City of Corpus Christi. Penalties are as
provided by Section 55-156 of the Corpus Christi City Code. This ordinance takes effect
after publication.
I • • uced and voted on the 12fi
r�day of 4MCk , 2026.
PASS = D and APPR • VED on the arX day of S f%.4[ , 2026.
Paulette Guajardo, ayor
EFFECTIVE DATE
(0-(C Ap
Re ecca Huerta, C y Secretary
033940
EXHIBIT A
Drought Contingency Plan
1. Introduction
This document is the Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) for the City of Corpus Christi (City) and its
regional customers. The purpose of this DCP is to:
(1) Conserve the available water supply by reducing the City's water demand as much as possible
during a drought to protect the integrity of water supply facilities, with particular regard for
domestic water use;
(2) Minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortages or other water supply emergency
conditions;
(3) Serve as a framework to identify and manage a drought or a state of wateremergency; and
(4) Preserve and protect essential water use.
This DCP was created so that the City can reduce demand when supplies are low so residents
have sufficient water during drought conditions. This DCP clearly explains the triggers initiated
by a drought and the steps to take during each stage of a drought. This is intended to preserve
water provided by the City only and excludes auxiliary water supplies.
Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi are the City's longest established and largest
water supplies. These two water supplies are referred to as the Western Reservoir system. Both
reservoirs are monitored daily and operated per the 2001 Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality (TCEQ) Agreed Order. The 2001 Agreed Order mandates that the combined reservoir
storage level be used to implement drought stages. For these reasons, the City uses the
combined capacity of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi as the triggering criteria
for the drought stages outlined in this DCP.
Additionally, the City utilizes waterfrom two eastern supplies that include Lake Texana and the
Colorado River. The City purchases water from Lake Texana through a water supply contract and
does not own the water rights. While the City owns water rights on the Colorado River, these
rights are considered junior, which means curtailment may occur by Water Right holders with
senior rights.
The DCP is different from the Water Conservation Plan (WCP) because a DCP is a responsive
plan that addresses drought conditions or water emergencies and defines actions that will be
taken when certain criteria are met. Typically, these criteria consist of three or more "stages" in
response to water supply storage levels (e.g., when reservoir storage levels drop below 40%,
Stage 1 is initiated), or a water emergency.
A WCP is a proactive plan for addressing overall goals and actions that will help a utility implement
year-round sustainable and efficient water conservation programs. The DCP follows the TCEQ
guidelines and has been prepared in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 30 Chapter
288 Subchapter B Rule §288.20 for Municipal Uses by Public Water Suppliers. Since the City
serves wholesale water customers, a Drought Contingency Plan for Wholesale Water Suppliers
has also been included in Section 16 in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 30
Chapter 288 Subchapter B Rule §288.22.
This DCP also follows guidelines of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Water SMART Drought
Response Program Framework and has been designed to include the six elements of a Drought
Contingency Plan: (1) Drought monitoring; (2) Vulnerability assessment; (3) Mitigation actions; (4)
Response actions; (5) Operational and administrative framework; and (6) Plan update process.
The City is eligible for certain drought funding opportunities by following the guidelines set by the
Bureau of Reclamation. The Water SMART Program works cooperatively with states, tribes, and
local entities to pursue a sustainable water supply for the Nation, including water efficiency
projects located in urban areas and watersheds, through administering grants, conducting
scientific studies, and providing technical assistance and scientific expertise. In addition, the
adoption of a DCP is a requirement for eligibility to receive financial assistance from the Texas
Water Development Board State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) program.
2. Declaration of Policy and Reason
The City of Corpus Christi hereby adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery
and consumptions of water in order to
• conserve the available water supply
• protect the integrity of water supply facilities with particular regard for domestic water use
• to protect and preserve essential water use
• minimize the adverse impacts of water -supply shortages or other water -supply emergency
conditions
The City hereby adopts the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and
consumptions of water. The Water Resource Management Ordinance which gives the City the
authority to regulate and enforce this DCP, is included as a supporting document.
Water uses regulated or prohibited under this DCP are considered to be non -essential, and
continuation of such uses during times of water shortage or other emergency water -supply
conditions are deemed to constitute a waste of water, which subjects the offender(s) to penalties
as defined in Section 13 of this DCP.
Since the City first started supplying its residents with water in the 1890s, the region has
experienced several periods of drought. Over the years, new water supplies have been added
and conservation measures have been strengthened to ensure water security for residents and
businesses of the region. However, with the variability of weather patterns in South Texas and a
continually growing population, it is critical that the City plans for future drought conditions.
Currently, the City's water supply system is comprised of three reservoirs and one run of the river
right: Lake Corpus Christi, Choke Canyon Reservoir, Lake Texana and the Colorado River.
However, the criteria to trigger drought stages are based on the combined capacity of Lake
Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir.
2IPage
Due to the frequency of drought in South Texas, this DCP was developed and it adopts measures
that will dramatically cut water consumption in order to conserve water supplies.
3. Public Education
Public meetings to receive comments on the DCP were held at the City Council regular meetings
on January 28, February 11, and March 18, 2025, and adopted by ordinance on March 18, 2025.
In addition, City staff also held two public listening sessions dedicated to the DCP on February 5,
2025, and February 18, 2025.
The City will work with its customers to inform them about the DCP, including information about
the conditions under which each stage of the DCP is to be initiated or terminated, and the drought
measures to be implemented in each stage. This information will be provided by utility bill inserts,
notices in the Corpus Christi Caller -Times, and notice on the City's website
(www. corpuschristitx. gov).
Notification to the public about when drought stages go into effect or when restrictions are lifted
is explained in more detail in Section 9.
4. Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The service area of the City of Corpus Christi is located within the Coastal Bend Regional Water
Planning Area (Region N) and the City has provided a copy of this DCP to Region N in care of
the Nueces River Authority.
The City of Corpus Christi shall review and update, as appropriate, the DCP at least every five
years based on new or updated information, such as the adoption or revision of the regional water
plan.
5. Authorization
The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable
provisions of the DCP upon determination that such implementation is necessary to protect
essential water use. The City Manager, or designee, shall have the authority to initiate or
terminate drought or other water supply emergency stages or restriction(s) as described in this
DCP. The City Manager, or designee, shall notify the members of the City Council before
implementing any measures. Any non -emergency changes to the drought stages and restrictions
outside this DCP must have City Council approval.
3JPage
6. Application
The provisions of this DCP shall apply to all persons, customers, and property utilizing water
provided by the City of Corpus Christi. The terms "person" and "customer" as used in the DCP
include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities.
7. Definitions
For the purposes of this Chapter in this DCP, the following definitions shall apply:
Aerobic irrigation system: an irrigation system that utilizes a home or business's treated
wastewater from its aerobic septic system.
Aesthetic water use: water use for ornamental or decorative purposes such as fountains,
reflecting pools, and water gardens.
Allocation: is calculated by reducing the customer's baseline by the curtailment
percentage.Auxiliary Water Supply: Water supply from a source that does not originate from
Corpus Christi Water's supply system, whether treated or raw
Baseline: means the determined water usage of each customer based on the methodology
established in this section. Residential and commercial accounts have monthly baselines. Large
volume and wholesale water have seasonal baselines as described below.
Commercial account: water used in the operations of commercial, non-profit establishments, and
governmental entities such as retail establishments, hotels and motels, restaurants, and office
buildings.
Conservation: those practices, techniques, and technologies that reduce the consumption of
water, reduce loss or waste of water, improve the efficiency in the use of water, or increase the
recycling and reuse of water so that a supply is conserved and made available for future or
alternative uses.
Contract (end -user) water customers: a private entity that has a contract with the City to receive
raw or treated water supplies for its sole use (i.e. does not resell to other users).
Curtailment: means the required percentage reduction of water supplies to all customers
necessary to meet water demand.
Customer: any person, company, or organization using water supplied by the City of Corpus
Christi and paying a retail water bill.
Domestic water use: water use for personal needs or for household or sanitary purposes such as
drinking, bathing, heating, cooking, sanitation, or for cleaning a residence, business, industry, or
institution.
4IPage
Drip irrigation: a method of watering plants using a network of tubes, pipes, valves, and emitters
that slowly drips water to the roots of plants to minimize evaporation. Soaker hoses are not a
substitute for a proper drip irrigation system.
Essential Water Use: water use necessary to sustain public health, welfare, safety, sanitation and
fire protection.
Large volume account/Industrial user: utility accounts of entities who use more than 10,000,000
gallons of water a month for processes designed to convert materials of lower value into forms
having greater usability and use.
Irrigation account/meter: a meter connected solely to an irrigation system. This type of meter does
not incur wastewater fees on water used through this meter. All irrigation meters are subject to
backflow prevention rules through the City's code of ordinances.
Landscape irrigation use: water used for the irrigation and maintenance of landscaped areas,
whether publicly or privately owned, including residential and commercial lawns, gardens, golf
courses, parks, rights -of -way, athletic fields, and medians.
Multi -family account: a utility account that services multiple residential units.
Non -essential water use: water uses that are not essential or not required for the protection of
public, health, safety, and welfare, including:
• Irrigation of landscape areas, including parks, athletic fields, and golf courses, except as
otherwise provided under this DCP
• Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle
• Use of water to wash down any impervious cover including sidewalks, walkways,
driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard -surfaced areas
• Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire
protection or health reasons
• Flushing gutters or permitting water to run or accumulate in any gutter or street
• Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools or jacuzzi-type
pools;
• Use of water in an aesthetic feature, including fountain or pond except where necessary
to support aquatic life
® Failure to repair a controllable leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given
notice directing the repair of such leak
• Use of water from hydrants for construction purposes or any other purposes other than
firefighting or flushing needed to maintain chlorination levels and protect public health
Non-exempt large volume accounts: a large volume account that is not paying the non -mandatory
Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee pursuant to Article XII of chapter 55-159.1 of the Corpus
Christi Code of Ordinances.
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Pool cover: a material designated to cover the surface area of a swimming pool when it is not in
use. Pool covers can come in different types including manual, semi -automatic, automatic, and
can be made from different materials such as mesh, solid vinyl, solar blankets, or pool floaties.
Pool covers do not include tree canopies, pergolas, gazebos, or similar structures.
Reservoir capacity: the combined reservoir storage levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake
Corpus Christi, as measured in percentage of the full combined volume.
Surcharge: temporary rate to manage demand in times of drought.
Water well: any facility, device, or method used to withdraw groundwater from a groundwater
reservoir. All water wells need to be registered with the Corpus Christi Aquifer Storage and
Recovery Conservation District.
Wholesale customer: A public or private utility that purchases water from the City through a written
contract that authorizes the resale of water to third parties or classifies the utility as a wholesale
customer.
8. Criteria for Initiation and Termination of Drought Stages
The City Manager, or designee, shall monitor water supply and/or demand conditions on a weekly
basis and shall determine when conditions warrant initiation or termination of each stage of the
DCP, that is, when the specified "triggers" are reached. However, the City Manager, or designee,
in the exercise of the City Manager's discretion, may initiate or terminate any stage when the City
Manager deems necessary at any time. This section explains the triggers of each stage. Best
management practices and water use restrictions for each drought stage are described in Section
10.
The combined reservoir storage level of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi is the
triggering criterion that is monitored for determining drought stages, based on the TCEQ 2001
Agreed Order (amended April 17, 2001) relating to inflows into Nueces Bay and Estuary. The full
Agreed Order is in the Appendix.
8.1. Water Shortage Watch
Trigger for initiation — Customers shall be requested to voluntarily conserve water and
adhere to prescribed conditions on specific water uses when the combined storage
levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi fall below 50%.
Trigger for termination — The watch may be terminated when the combined storage
levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi increase above 50% for
15 consecutive calendar days.
8.2. Stage 1 — Mild Water Shortage
Trigger for initiation — Stage 1 begins when the combined reservoir storage level
declines below 40%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements
and restrictions on certain non -essential water uses described in Section 10.
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Trigger for termination — Stage 1 may be terminated when the combined storage
levels increase above 50%.
8.3. Stage 2 — Moderate Water Shortage
Trigger for initiation — Stage 2 begins when the combined storage level declines below
30%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions
on certain non -essential water uses described in section 10.
Tripper for termination — Stage 2 may be terminated when the combined storage
levels increase above 40%. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes
operative.
8.4. Stage 3 — Critical Water Shortage
Tripper for initiation — Stage 3 begins when the combined storage level declines below
20%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions
on certain non -essential water uses described in section 10.
Trigger for termination — Stage 3 may be terminated when the combined storage
levels increase above 30%. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes operative.
8.5. Water Emergency
Level 1 Water Emergency
Tripper for initiation — A Level 1 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or
designee, determines that the City is within 180 days of its total water supply not
meeting its water demands. The 180-day trigger is in accordance with Texas
Administrative Code Title 30 Rule §290.41(b)(1) for Water Resources. The City
Manager or designee can modify the timing of triggering a Level 1 Water Emergency
if the regional demands can be fully met with alternative water sources other than the
combined reservoir storage. Other sources may include water from the Mary Rhodes
Pipeline or future water supplies.
Trigger for termination - The Level 1 Water Emergency may be terminated when the
City Manager, or designee, determines that the City's total water supply can meet the
total regional demands for more than 180 days.
Level 2 Water Emergency
Tripper for initiation — A Level 2 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or
designee determines that a water supply emergency exists, which causes the demand
to exceed the supply, subsequently leading to imminent failure to maintain pressure
that meets TCEQ minimum standards, including but not limited to;
a) Major catastrophic infrastructure failure including but not limited to; failure of a
dam or spillway structure, failure of a major water line such as the MRP or other
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large diameter water lines, and/or failure of the City's water treatment facilities
like O.N. Stevens or other critical re -pump stations; or
b) Water production or distribution system limitations; or
c) Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source.
Trigger for termination — The Water Emergency may be terminated when the City
Manager, or designee, deems appropriate.
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9. Drought Stage Notification
The City Manager, or designee, shall monitor water supply and/or demand conditions on a weekly
basis and, in accordance with the triggering criteria set forth in Section 8 of this Chapter, shall
determine that a mild, moderate, critical, or a water emergency exists and shall implement the
following notification procedures.
Notification to the Public:
The City Manager, or designee, shall notify the public for every change in drought stage status
by any or all of the following:
• City's website (www.corpuschristitx.gov)
• Publication in the Corpus Christi Caller -Times
• Notice on the monthly utility billing
• Public Service Announcements
• Signs posted in public places
• The City's social media platforms
Additional Notification:
The City Manager, or designee shall, at a minimum, notify directly, or cause to be notified directly,
the following individuals and entities for every change in drought stage status:
• Mayor and members of the City Council
• Fire Chief
• City and/or County Emergency Management Coordinator
• County Judge and Commissioner(s)
• Major water users (such as industries and wholesale water users)
• Critical water users (such as hospitals)
• Parks/street superintendents and public facilities managers
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) — note: TCEQ executive director
MUST be informed within five (5) business days of mandatory water use restrictions being
imposed
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10. Drought Stages, Best Management Practices per Stage
A summary of water use reduction targets for each drought stage is presented in the following
table. Further discussion on best management practices and implementation practices associated
with each stage of drought is included below. During Stages 1, 2, and 3, requests for exemptions
may be presented to the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee.
Drought Stage Response
CCR/LCC Combined
Reservoir Storage Level
Target Demand
Reduction Levels
Water Shortage Watch
<50%
5%
Stage 1 - Mild Water
Shortage
<40%
5%
Stage 2 - Moderate Water
Shortage
<30%
10%
Stage 3 - Critical Water
Shortage
<20%
15%
Water Emergency
Level 1
Level 2
Not Applicable
25%
50%
10.1. Water Shortage Watch
Target: Achieve a voluntary 5% reduction in daily water with the water use conditions
below.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
The City will enact voluntary measures to reduce or discontinue the flushing of water
mains if practicable and utilize reclaimed water for non -potable uses to the greatest
extent possible. The City will prioritize sources of supply not impacted by drought
conditions, when available, including interruptible supplies from Lake Texana during
times when Lake Texana water level is at or above 43 feet mean sea level in accordance
with Lavaca-Navidad River Authority (LNRA) contract. The City will actively promote
educational messages in the media about how to reduce water use through conservation
practices, and rules of the drought stages.
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Water Use Conditions for Reducing Demand
a) Water customers are requested to voluntarily limit the irrigation of landscaped areas
to once per week.
b) Water customers are requested to practice water conservation and to minimize or
discontinue water use for non -essential purposes.
c) All operations of the City of Corpus Christi shall adhere to water use restrictions
prescribed for Stage 1.
d) Water smart techniques will be promoted by City leadership, City Council and City
departments.
10.2. Stage 1 Response — Mild Water Shortage
Target: During Stage 1, achieve a 5% reduction in daily water demand with the water
use restrictions below.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
Under Stage 1, the City will:
• Use more repair crews if necessary to allow for a quicker response time for water-
line leak repair; and
• City crews (Water and other departments) begin monitoring customers' compliance
with Stage 1 restrictions during the course of their daily rounds.
• In addition to the restrictions outlined below, City departments will make every effort
to conserve water, including no new landscaping installation, no filling of ponds, and
reducing the use of City -owned ornamental fountains.
• Increase targeted outreach to high -consumption industrial and commercial
customers to urge water use reductions.
• Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction by using the
following practices:
o-,'` Use an aerator and/or a water flow -reducer attachment on your tap to reduce
your water usage.
o When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are brushing. Use short
bursts of water for cleaning your brush.
o' When washing or shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather than
running the tap continuously.
Use either low -flow shower heads or adjustable flow -reducer devices on your
shower heads.
o Take shorter showers.
o You can reduce water usage by 40% to 50% by installing low -flush toilets.
o When hand -washing dishes, never run water continuously.
o If you have a dishwasher appliance, use it only to wash full loads, and use the
shortest cycle possible.
o Wash only full loads in your washing machine and use the shortest cycle
possible.
o Repair leaks quickly.
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o Clean outdoor surfaces with a broom, not a hose. Water during the cool part of
the day, in the morning or evening.
o Do not over water in anticipation of a shortage. Soil cannot store extra water.
o Use auxiliary water supplies when/if accessible.
Water Use Restrictions for Demand Reduction
Under threat of penalty for violation, the following water use restrictions shall apply to
all persons during Stage 1:
a) Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose -end sprinklers or automatic irrigation
systems shall be limited to once per week. The watering schedule will be
determined by the City Manager or designee. Customers will be made aware of
their designated watering day in accordance with Section 9. However, irrigation of
landscaped areas is permitted on any day if it is by means of a hand-held hose (with
positive shutoff nozzle), a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or
less, or drip irrigation system with a positive shutoff device.
1) Exceptions for this restriction may be permitted, upon review and approval by
the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee, for the
following uses: new plantings (for up to 60 days), vegetable gardens, athletic
playing fields, and botanical gardens. In addition, this restriction does not apply
to customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system or any other
auxiliary water supply. Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic
system must apply for an exemption from Corpus Christi Water to be
prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet of the street number
located on the premises.
b) No watering or irrigating of landscaped areas by hose -end sprinkler or automatic
irrigation systems will be allowed between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to
prevent evaporative loss.
c) Use of water from hydrants shall be limited to firefighting, related activities, or other
activities necessary to maintain essential water use, except that use of water from
designated fire hydrants for construction purposes may be allowed under special
exemption from Corpus Christi Water.
Use of water for the irrigation of golf course greens, tees, and fairways is prohibited
except on designated watering days. However, if the golf course utilizes reclaimed
water or a water source other than that provided through City of Corpus Christi
infrastructure, the facility shall not be subject to these regulations.
e) The use of water to maintain the integrity of building foundations is limited to
designated watering days.
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10.3. Stage 2 Response — Moderate Water Shortage
Target: During Stage 2, achieve a 10% reduction in total daily water demand with the
water use restrictions below.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
In addition to the best management practices for supply management listed under
Stage 1, the City will also do the following during Stage 2:
® Eliminate the flushing of water mains unless required for decontamination
and/or public safety; and
® Review customers' water usage for compliance based on the previous month's
water use and notify violators verbally or in writing as the situation dictates.
• Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction by using
the following practices:
o Use an aerator and/or a water flow -reducer attachment on your tap to
reduce your water usage.
o When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are brushing. Use
short bursts of water to clean your brush.
o When washing or shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather
than running the tap continuously.
o Use either low -flow shower heads or adjustable flow -reducer devices on
your shower heads.
o You can reduce water usage by 40% to 50% by installing low -flush toilets.
o When hand -washing dishes, never run water continuously.
o If you have a dishwasher appliance, use it only to wash full loads.
o Wash only full loads in your washing machine and use the shortest cycle
possible.
o Fix leaks quickly.
o Clean outdoor surfaces with a broom, not a hose.
Do not overwater in anticipation of a shortage. Soil cannot store extra
water.
o Use auxiliary water supplies when/if accessible.
Water Use Restrictions for Demand Reduction:
All requirements of Stage 1 shall remain in effect during Stage 2 except as modified
below:
a) Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose -end sprinklers and automatic irrigation
systems shall be limited to once every other week. The watering schedule will
be determined by the City Manager or designee. Customers will be made aware
of their designated watering day. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is
permitted on any day if it is by means of a hand-held hose (with positive shutoff
nozzle), a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five (5) gallons or less, or drip
irrigation system with a positive shutoff device.
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a. Exceptions for this restriction may be permitted, upon review and
approval by the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or
designee, for the following uses: new plantings (for up to 60 days),
vegetable gardens, athletic playing fields, and botanical gardens. In
addition, this restriction does not apply to customers irrigating with well
water or an aerobic septic system or any other auxiliary water supply.
Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system shall
still apply for a permit from the City Utilities Department to be
prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet of the street
number located on the premises.
b) The watering of golf course fairways with potable water is prohibited. The
watering of greens and tees are limited to once every other week unless the golf
course utilizes reclaimed water or a water source other than that provided
through Corpus Christi Water infrastructure or done by means of hand-held
hoses, or hand-held buckets.
c) A person or entity who owns, leases or manages an outdoor swimming pool
(including City -owned pools) shall begin preparation for Stage 3 requirement to
have approximately 100 percent of the pool surface area covered when not in
use.
d) Hotels, motels, and other lodgings must offer and clearly notify guests of a
"linen/towel change on request only" program.
f) (e) Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other
vehicle, not occurring on the premises of a commercial car wash station, is
allowed on any day if washing using a hand-held hose equipped with a positive
shutoff nozzle or a five (5) gallon bucket or smaller.
Optional Measures:
During Stage 2, the following measures are optional water use restrictions that may be
implemented by the City Manager, or designee, with City Council approval, as
conditions warrant:
a) The following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons over 7,000
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons over
55,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iv. For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of $3.00 per 1,000
gallons over 12,842,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
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v. For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons for volumes
exceeding the last 12-month average usage by 25% for the 12-month billing
prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the customers' bill,
except as otherwise provided by contract.
10.4. Stage 3 Response — Critical Water Shortage
Target: During Stage 3, achieve a 15% or greater reduction in daily water with the water
use restrictions below.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
In addition to the best management practices for supply management Iisted under
Stage 2, the City will also do the following during Stage 3:
• Upon written notice, disconnect the water meters of willful violators if absolutely
necessary to prevent the deliberate wasting of water.
• Increase public education and outreach regarding water use reduction by using
the following practices:
o Use an aerator and/or a water flow -reducer attachment on your tap to
reduce your water usage.
o When brushing your teeth, turn the water off while you are brushing. Use
short bursts of water for cleaning your brush.
o When washing or shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather
than running the tap continuously.
o Use either low -flow shower heads or adjustable flow -reducer devices on
your shower heads.
o You can reduce water usage by 40% to 50% by installing low -flush toilets.
o When hand -washing dishes, never run water continuously.
o If you have a dishwasher appliance, use it only to wash full loads.
o Wash only full loads in your washing machine and use the shortest cycle
possible.
o Repair leaks quickly.
o ' Clean outdoor surfaces with a broom, not a hose.
o Do not overwater in anticipation of a shortage. Soil cannot store extra
water.
o Use auxiliary water supplies when/if accessible.
Water Use Restrictions for Demand Reduction:
All requirements of Stage 1 and 2 shall remain in effect during Stage 3 except as
modified below:
• Irrigation of turf grass by any means shall be prohibited at all times.
• Drip irrigation or soaker hoses for foundations and landscaped beds are allowed
every other week on the designated watering schedule. The watering schedule will
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be determined by the City Manager or designee. Customers will be made aware of
their designated watering day.
• Watering of trees, vegetable beds, shrubs, and potted plants is permitted on any
day if it is by means of a handheld hose (with a positive shutoff nozzle), a faucet -
filled bucket, or a watering can of five (5) gallons or less.
a. Exceptions for Stage 3 restrictions may be permitted up to 30 days, upon review
and approval by the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or
designee, for new plantings. In addition, this restriction does not apply to
customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system, or any other
auxiliary water supply. Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic
system shall still apply for an exemption from Corpus Christi Water. An exception
certificate should be prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet of
the street number located on the premises.
® The filling, draining and refilling of an existing swimming pool, Jacuzzi and hot tubs
is prohibited except to maintain structural integrity.
® A person or entity who owns, leases, or manages an outdoor swimming pool
(including City -owned pools) shall have approximately 100% of the pool surface
area covered when not in use. A request for an exemption or variance from this
provision for pools that have a water -saving feature may be submitted.
® Operators of water parks must seek approval from the Chief Operating Officer for
Corpus Christi Water or designee prior to the filling, refilling, or adding water to
water parks.
® All fountains shall only operate to circulate water in order to maintain equipment.
® Hotels, motels, and other lodgings must offer and clearly notify guests of a
"linen/towel change on request only" program.
Optional Measures:
During Stage 3, the following measures are optional water use restrictions that may be
implemented by the City Manager, or designee, with City Council approval, as conditions
warrant:
b) The following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons over 7,000
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons over
55,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iv. For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of $12.00 per 1,000
gallons over 12,842,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
v. For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons for
volumes exceeding the last 12-month average usage by 25% for the 12-
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month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the
customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
10.5. Water Emergency
Level 1 Water Emergency
In the event that the triggering criteria specified in Section 8.5 — Level 1 Water
Emergency of the DCP is met, City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or' designee is
hereby authorized to implement curtailment of water supplies to all customers in
accordance with Section 55-154. The initiation of curtailment preparations shall begin
during Stage 3.
Target: During a Level 1 Water Emergency, pro-rata curtailment will be required and
may start at 5% or greater reduction of total water demand, depending on the
forecasted water supply conditions. Surcharges and allocations are enforceable during
a Water Emergency, as described in Section 11.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
In addition to the best management practices for supply management listed under
Stage 3, the City will also do the following:
® Implement a planned public campaign to inform all customers of the water
emergency and to mandate the immediate curtailment of water.
® Contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand
conditions and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail
their water consumption as necessary.
® Contact large-volume/industrial users to discuss water supply and/or demand
conditions and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail
their water consumption as necessary.
Water Use Restrictions for Demand Reduction:
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, all requirements of Stage 1, 2, and 3 shall remain
in effect except as modified below:
a) Irrigation of all landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
b) Associated uses of water not related to business processes which are
discretionary, such as equipment washing, shall be deferred until the water
emergency has been terminated.
Level 2 Water Emergency
17 (P a g e
Target: During a Level 2 Water Emergency, achieve the necessary reduction in daily
water demand to meet minimum system pressure requirements with the below water
use restrictions. In addition, during a Level 2 Water Emergency all requirements from
a Level 1 Water Emergency may be authorized under this section. Surcharges and
curtailments are enforceable during a Water Emergency, as described in Section 11.
During an actual water shortage, the City Manager or designee is authorized to
implement pro-rata curtailment of water supplies to all customers in accordance with
V.T.C.A., Water Code § 11.039.
During a water emergency such as a catastrophic failure of infrastructure or cross -
connection contamination, the City shall implement all necessary measures to protect
essential water use.
For a water emergency associated with contamination of Nueces Basin stored
supplies, the City, under the City Manager or designee's direction, will cease pumping
from the Nueces River and will contact the LNRA to identify additional, temporary water
that may be available from Lake Texana on a short-term basis to meet essential water
needs. For a water emergency associated with contamination of Lake Texana
supplies, the City, under the City Manager's, or designee's direction, will cease
pumping from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
In addition to the best management practices for supply management listed under
Stage 3, the City will also do the following:
® Implement a public campaign to inform all customers of the water emergency and
to mandate the immediate curtailment of water.
® Contact wholesale water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand
conditions and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail
their water consumption as necessary.
• Contact large-volume/industrial users to discuss water supply and/or demand
conditions and inform them about the initiation of mandatory measures to curtail
their water consumption as necessary.
Water Use Restrictions for Demand Reduction:
During a water emergency, all requirements of Stage 1, 2, and 3 shall remain in effect
except as modified below:
a) Irrigation of all landscaped areas is absolutely prohibited.
b) Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, or other vehicle
is absolutely prohibited.
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c) Associated uses of water not related to business process which are
discretionary, such as equipment washing, shall be deferred until the water
emergency has been terminated.
Optional Measures:
During a Level 1 or Level 2 Water Emergency, the following measures are an optional
water use restriction that may be implemented by the City Manager, or designee, with City
Council approval, as conditions warrant:
a) No application for new, additional, expanded, or increased -in -size water service
connections, meters, service lines, pipeline extensions, mains, or water service
facilities of any kind shall be approved, and time limits for approval of such
applications are hereby suspended for such time as this drought stage shall be
in effect.
b) The following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons will
be added to the customers' monthly bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over
the 6,000-gallon allocation and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the
8,000-gallon baseline will be added to the customers' monthly bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over
the individual assigned allocation and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above
the baseline will be added to the customers' monthly bill.
iv. For large volume accounts a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons
over the individual assigned allocation and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons
above the baseline will be added to the customers' monthly bill.
v For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over
the individual assigned allocation and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above
the baseline will be added to the customers' monthly bill.
For multi -family accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one
thousand (1,000) gallons over the individual assigned allocation up to
their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will be
added to the customer's bill.
11. Baselines, Allocations, and Surcharges for Drought Stages 2, 3, Water
Emergency and Service Measures
11.1. Surcharges
(a) General
1. The baselines, allocations, and surcharges established herein are solely
intended to regulate and deter the use of water during a period of serious
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drought in order to achieve necessary water conservation. The City Council
expressly finds that the drought poses a serious and immediate threat to the
public and economic health and general welfare of this community, and that
the surcharges and other measures adopted herein are essential to protect
said public health and welfare.
2. This section, and the surcharges and measures adopted herein, are an
exercise of the City's regulatory and police power, and the surcharges and
connection fees are conservation rates intended to meet fixed costs as a result
of lost revenue.
3. With City Council approval by resolution, the City Manager, or designee, is
authorized to determine trigger points and initiate allocations and surcharges
during Stages 2, 3, and a Water Emergency.
4. A customer may appeal a baseline, allocation, or drought surcharge
established under this Section to the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi
Water or designee on grounds of unnecessary hardship, through the process
outlined in Section 12.
5. Drought surcharge funds will first be applied towards annual debt service as
reflected in the City operating budget to offset revenue loss due to drought
conditions. Additional funds will be reported to City Council and used to
increase debt service coverage ratio.
(b) During Stage 2 the following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons over 7,000
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons over
55,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iv. For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of $3.00 per 1,000
gallons over 12,842,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
v. For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $1.00 per 1,000 gallons for
volumes exceeding the last 12-month average usage by 25% for the 12-
month billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the
customers' bill, except as otherwise provided by contract
(c) During Stage 3 the following surcharge will be added to a customer's water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons over 7,000
gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons over
55,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
iv For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of $6.00 per 1,000
gallons over 12,842,000 gallons will be added to the customers' bill.
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v. For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $2.00 per 1,000 gallons volumes
exceeding the last 12-month average usage by 25% for the 12-month
billing prior to the implementation of Stage 2 will be added to the customers'
bill, except as otherwise provided by contract.
(d) During a Water Emergency, the following surcharge will be added to a customer's
water bill:
i. For all irrigation accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons will be
added to the customers' bill.
ii. For residential accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over the
allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the
baseline will be added to the customers' bill.
iii. For commercial accounts, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over the
individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000
gallons above the baseline will be added to the customers' bill.
iv. For non-exempt large volume accounts a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000
gallons over the individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and
$8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will be added to the customers'
bill.
v. For wholesale customers, a surcharge of $4.00 per 1,000 gallons over the
individual assigned allocation up to their baseline and $8.00 per 1,000
gallons above the baseline will be added to the customer's monthly bill.
vi. For multi -family accounts, a surcharge of four dollars ($4.00) per one
thousand (1,000) gallons over the individual assigned allocation up to their
baseline and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons above the baseline will be added to
the customer's bill.
(e) Federal government, State government, and political subdivisions of the State are
exempt from these surcharges.
(f) Contractual remedies not affected. Nothing in this section supersedes any remedies
available to the city under any contract with a wholesale treated water customer due
to the customer's failure to adopt or impose water conservation or drought contingency
measures required by the contract.
11.2. Baselines
The baselines described in this plan are to define the historical water use to serve as the
starting point for developing curtailments and allocations. It represents the quantity from
which percentage curtailments are calculated during a Level 1 Water Emergency. By
setting clear and consistent baselines, the City Manager or designee can implement
equitable, transparent, and defensible reduction measures when supply limitations require
decreased use.
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The methodology for establishing baselines during a Level 1 Water Emergency is
described below:
® The monthly baseline for a City of Corpus Residential water customer
account is 8,000 gallons per month.
® The monthly baseline for a City of Corpus Christi Commercial water
customer account will be based on the average of the account's
monthly usages during 2021 through 2023, excluding the lowest
monthly value for each calendar month.
The monthly baseline for a City of Corpus Christi Multi -Family account
will be based on the average of the account's monthly usage during
2023 through 2025, excluding the lowest monthly value for each
calendar month.
® A Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal baselines for each Large
Volume account of the City of Corpus Christi will be determined using
the average of the account's monthly usages from 2022 through 2024
as follows, excluding the lowest monthly value for each calendar month:
® Summer: average of monthly usages from June through September
• Spring/Fall: average of monthly usages from April -May and
October -November
® Winter: average of monthly usages from January -March and
December.
® A Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal baselines for each of the
City of Corpus Christi Wholesale water customer accounts (including
San PatricioMunicipal Water District, South Texas Water Authority,
City of Mathis, City of Alice, City of Beeville, Violet Water Supply
Corporation, Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District
No.3 and Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No.
4) will be determined for each wholesale customer using the average
of the account's monthly usages from 2022 through 2024 as follows,
excluding the lowest monthly value for each calendar month:
® Summer: average of monthly usages from June through
September
® Spring/Fall: average of monthly usages from April -May and
October -November
® Winter: average of monthly usages from January -March and
December.
11.3 Curtailments
Curtailments are the temporary reduction or suspension of water use, or diversions, in
response to limited supply. It will be implemented to protect and preserve reservoir
storage. Curtailments will be calculated as a percentage reduction from a defined
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baseline and will apply to all Corpus Christi Water customers, depending on water
availability.
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, a 25% curtailment will be implemented and
enforced across all Corpus Christi Water customers.
12. Requests for Exemptions and Variances
(a) The Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water, or designee may, in writing, grant
a temporary variance to any of the provisions for water users found in this DCP upon
determination that failure to grant such variance would cause an emergency condition
adversely affecting essential water use for the public or person requesting such a
variance.
>(b) A person requesting an exemption or variance from the provisions of this Ordinance
shall file a request on the City -provided application for an exemption/variance with
Corpus Christi Water within 5 days after a particular drought response stage has been
invoked. All request forms shall be reviewed by the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus
Christi Water, or designee, and shall include the following:
1. Name and address of the water user(s).
2. Purpose of water use.
3. Specific provision(s) of the Ordinance from which the water user is requesting
relief.
4. Detailed statement as to how the specific provision of the Ordinance adversely
affects the water user or what damage or harm will occur to the water user or
others if water user complies with this DCP.
5. Description of the exemption requested.
6.. Period of time for which the exemption is sought.
Alternative water use restrictions or other measures the water user is taking
or proposes to take to meet the intent of this DCP and the compliance date.
Other pertinent information; or as required on exemption application.
(c) No exemption nor variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this
DCP occurring prior to the issuance of the exemption/variance.
(d) The Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee shall consider
requests of water users for special consideration to be given as to their respective
particular circumstances and is hereby authorized to, in special cases, grant such
variance from the terms of this DCP if such compliance would cause an emergency
condition adversely affecting essential water for the public or person requesting such
a variance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special
conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this DCP will result in unnecessary
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hardship, and so that the spirit of this DCP shall be observed and substantial justice
done.
(e) Should an exemption for special exception be granted, it shall be in effect from the time
of granting through the termination of the then current stage, unless revoked by the
Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water or designee for noncompliance;
provided, that the exemption is prominently posted on the premises within two (2) feet
of the street number located on the premises.
(f) A person denied request for permit or exception from these rules may appeal the
decision to the Chief Operating Officer of Corpus Christi Water by submitting a written
request for appeal to the Chief Operating Officer for Corpus Christi Water within five
business days from issuance of denial. The decision of the Chief Operating Officer for
Corpus Christi Water shall be final.
(g) Violations of any permit conditions may be enforced under Section 13.
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12.1. Non -mandatory Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee.
Article XII of Chapter 55 of the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances Section 55-159.1 reads
as follows:
(a) Establishment of non -mandatory "Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee" effective
October 1, 2018.
Large -volume industrial customers' may voluntarily pay a non -mandatory and non-
refundable "Drought Surcharge Exemption fee" or "Fee" of $0.31 per 1,000 gallons of
water per month to be exempt from the applicable allocation surcharges of City Code
Section 55-154 during the month of billing. The City will begin to charge the Fee as of
October 1, 2018 to all large -volume industrial customers. The Fee will be charged with
the large -volume industrial customer's regular monthly water bill which is due as stated
on the bill. By payment of the Fee, the large -volume industrial customer has
determined that the Fee is fair, just, and reasonable.
(b) Notice of Opt -out.
A large -volume industrial customer may opt out of the Drought Surcharge Exemption
fee (or "Fee") by providing written notice to the City Manager. A large -volume industrial
customer is deemed to have opted out of the Fee as of the date payment of the Fee
remains delinquent after notice and opportunity to cure. A large -volume industrial
customer who has opted out of said Fee is subject to aforementioned allocation
surcharges of City Code Section 55-154 in addition to compliance with all applicable
City ordinances.
(c) Request to opt back into the Drought Surcharge Exemption fee or "Fee".
There is no right nor entitlement to opt back into the Fee. The City Manager or
designee retains sole discretion to determine whether granting large -volume industrial
customer's request to opt back into the Fee is in the best interest of the city. At a
minimum, the large -volume industrial customer will be required to comply with the
following mandatory conditions.
1. The large -volume industrial customer must submit a written request to the City
Manager to request to opt back into the Drought Surcharge Exemption fee subject
to City Manager review.
2. Upon receipt of invoice, the large -volume industrial customer must timely pay the
Drought Surcharge Exemption fees calculated on said customer's actual water
usage from date of City's receipt of written request back to said customer's date of
opt out, up to a maximum of 10 years.
1 For purposes of this Section 55-159.1 the term "large -volume industrial customer" shall mean a utility
customer who uses water in minimum quantity of 100,000 gallons a day in processes designed to convert
materials of a lower order of value into forms having greater usability and commercial value, including the
development of power by means other than hydroelectric, but does not include agricultural use.
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3. The large -volume industrial customer remains subject to compliance with the
aforementioned allocation surcharge provisions of the City Code as may be
amended and all other applicable ordinances, rules and regulations of the City for
the mandatory reinstatement period of 24 months.
The mandatory reinstatement period begins upon date of notice from the City to
said customer and continues for 24 consecutive calendar months. During the
reinstatement period, the large -volume industrial customer will timely pay a non-
refundable reinstatement fee of $0.31 per 1,000 gallons of water upon receipt of
invoice. By payment of said reinstatement fee, the large -volume industrial
customer has determined that the fee is fair, just, and reasonable.
4. Despite compliance with these conditions, the large -volume industrial customer will
not be allowed to opt back into the Fee when the combined storage level of the
Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi declines below 40%.
(d) Dedicated use of the Drought Surcharge Exemption fees.
1. The Fee shall be dedicated by the City for development of a drought -resistant water
supply and shall not be used for operation and maintenance costs of any water
supply, treatment facility or distribution system.
2. The Fee paid to the City will be reserved in a separate account ("Account") and
used only for capital costs to develop and/or acquire an additional drought -
resistant water supply including but not limited to, payment of debt for an allowable
capital project.
3. The City Manager may execute documents necessary for the establishment of a
dedicated fund.
(e) Review and adjustment of the Drought surcharge exemption fee.
The Fee shall be reviewed and adjusted by City Council action no more frequently
than every 5 years. Any subsequent Fee increase is limited to increases based upon
changes to the following Consumer Price Index: CPI -All Urban Consumers (Current
Series) for Water and sewer and trash collection services in U.S. City average, all
urban consumers.
(f) Participation by wholesale water suppliers.
A wholesale water supplier with a water supply contract with the City may choose to
establish an identical voluntary Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee and standard
agreement for its large -volume industrial customers with said Fee and agreement to
be equivalent to the ordinance and standard agreement adopted by the City of Corpus
Christi. Upon adoption of said identical voluntary Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee
and standard agreement for its large -volume industrial customers, the wholesale water
supplier shall assess and collect the Fees from its large -volume industrial customers
and then remit said Fees to the City. In addition, the wholesale water supplier shall
notify the City Manager or designee of the volume of water used by its large -volume
industrial customers each month.
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(g)
The City Manager may execute letters of commitment and standard agreements
regarding payment and use of Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee with terms
consistent with this Section 55-159.1 (each, an "Agreement"). The Agreement may
be terminated by the City upon five years' notice to terminate the Agreement.
A copy of the standard agreement is attached as an Exhibit to the Ordinance which is
enacted in this Section 55-159.1. The City Manager is authorized to adjust the terms
of the standard agreement as long as said adjustments are consistent with the terms
of this Section 55-159.1 and said adjustment is made available to all large -volume
industrial customers participating in the Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee.
(h) The Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee established by this Section 55-159.1 continues
to be billed and paid except during periods when the balance in the Account exceeds
$150,000,000, to be adjusted annually for inflation by the following Consumer Price
Index: CPI -All Urban Consumers (Current Series) for Water and sewer and trash
collection services in U.S. City average, all urban consumers. While balance exceeds
$150,000,000 the City will cease billing and collection of the Fee, and the large -volume
industrial customer remains exempt from the allocation surcharges.
(i) The City may repeal this Section 55-159.1 upon at least five years' notice to the then
participating large -volume industrial customers and participating wholesale water
suppliers.
(j) Upon City's repeal of this Section 55-159.1 or City's termination of the Agreement, any
unencumbered balance remaining in the Account will be returned to the then -
participating large -volume industrial customers and then -participating wholesale water
suppliers on a pro-rata basis.
(k) The large -volume industrial customer paying the Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee
established by this Section _159.1 is exempt from City curtailment of water during
Reservoir System Stages 1, 2, and 3, except when such curtailment is required by
Texas Water Code Section 11.039 or required by other applicable state laws and state
regulations.
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13. Enforcement
(a) A violation under this article is a Class C misdemeanor. Any person that violates any
provision of this article shall be subject to a fine of not more than five hundred dollars
($500.00) per violation per day. The culpable mental state required by Section 6.02 of
the Texas Penal Code is specifically negated and dispensed with and a violation of
this article is a strict liability offense.
(b) The commission of a violation of each provision, and each separate violation thereof,
shall be deemed a separate offense, in and upon conviction thereof, shall be fined as
hereinabove provided.
(c) If any person or a second person in the same household or premises is found guilty
of a second violation of this article, Corpus Christi Water shall be authorized to
discontinue the water service to the premises where such violation occurs.
(d) Cases filed under this section shall be expedited and given preferential setting in
municipal court before all other cases.
(e) Any person whose name is on file with the Utilities Billing Office as the customer on
the water account for the property where the violation occurs or originates shall be
presumed to be the violator, and proof that the violation occurred on said premises
shall constitute prima facie evidence that the customer committed the violation, but
said customer shall have the right to show that he did not commit the violation
If any person fails to respond to a citation or summons issued for a violation of this
article within the time allowed, upon receipt of notice from the director or a judge of the
municipal courts, the water superintendent is authorized to discontinue water service
to the premises where such violation occurs.
(f)
(g) Water customers are not subject to violations, penalties, or enforcement for exceeding
their baseline or exceeding their allocation.
14. Variances
A temporary variance for existing water uses otherwise prohibited under this DCP may be
obtained through the process outlined in Section 12.
15. Severability
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City that the sections, paragraphs, sentences,
clauses, and phrases of this DCP are severable and, if any phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph, or section of this DCP shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or
decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect any of the
remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this DCP, since the same
would not have been enacted by the City without the incorporation into this DCP of any such
unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section.
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16. Wholesale Drought Contingency Plan
16.1 Declaration of Policy, Purpose, and Intent
In order to conserve the available water supply and/or to protect the integrity of water
supply facilities, with particular regards for essential water use and domestic water use,
and to minimize the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply
emergency conditions, the City of Corpus Christi (City) adopts the following Wholesale
Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan).
16.2 Public and Wholesale Customer Involvement
The public was invited to view and make comments on the Plan during the regular City
Council meetings on January 28, February 11, and March 18, 2025, at City Hall. The
Plan was adopted under the open meetings requirement of the TCEQ during the March
18, 2025, City Council meeting.
16.3 Wholesale Water Customer Education
The City will periodically provide wholesale customers with information about the Plan,
including information about conditions under which each stage of the Plan is to be
initiated or terminated and drought measures to be implemented in each stage.
This information will be distributed byproviding a copy of the Plan to each wholesale
water customer.
16.4 Coordination with Regional Water Planning Groups
The water service area of the City of Corpus Christi and its wholesale water customers
is located within the Coastal Bend Planning Region (Region N) and the City has provided
a copy of the Plan to Region N. The City of Corpus Christi shall review and update, as
appropriate, the drought contingency plan at least every five years based on new or
updated information, such as the adoption or revision of the regional water plan.
16.5 Authorization
The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed
to implement the applicable provisions of this Plan upon determination that such
implementation is necessary to protect essential water use. Wholesale customers are
subject to the Plan under their contracts with the City. The City Manager, or designee,
shall have the authority to initiate or terminate drought or other water supply emergency
measures as described in this Plan. The City Manager, or designee, shall notify the
TCEQ within five (5) business days of any mandatory water use restrictions being
enacted.
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16.6 Application
The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all customers utilizing water provided by the
City on a wholesale basis. The terms "person" and "customer" as used in the Plan
include individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, and all other legal entities.
The provisions of this Plan shall apply to all customers utilizing water provided by the
City on a wholesale basis. Every wholesale water contract entered into, renewed or
modified after official adoption of this Plan (by either ordinance, resolution, or tariff) shall
include language relating to the City of Corpus Christi Water Conservation Plan and
Drought Contingency Plan, adopted under Ordinance Number 55-151 to impose similar
restrictions, surcharges or rationing measures on their customers.
To the extent of its legal authority, the City of Corpus Christi shall require its wholesale
customers to implement outdoor watering restrictions similar to those of the City for each
drought stage. The City requires that any contract for the resale of water furnished to
wholesale water contractors shall contain a similar condition.
16.7 Triggering Criteria for Initiation and Termination of Drought Stages
The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, shall monitor water supply and/or
demand conditions on a weekly basis and shall determine when conditions warrant
initiation or termination of each stage of the Plan. Customer notification of the initiation
or termination of drought stages will be made by email, mail, or telephone. The news
media will also be informed by the City.
The triggering criterion to be monitored for determining drought stages is the combined
reservoir storage levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi. The
combined storage levels selected are based on the TCEQ 2001 Agreed Order on
Freshwater Inflows to the Nueces Bay and Estuary (amended April 17, 2001). See
Appendix. The triggering criterions in this section are minimum standards for initiation
and maximum standards for termination, and the City Manager, or designee, can initiate
or terminate each stage when conditions warrant.
(a) Water Shortage Watch
Trigger for initiation — The City will recognize that a mild water shortage condition exists
when the combined storage levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Cristi
have fallen below 50%.
Trigger for termination — The Water Shortage Watch may be terminated when the
combined storage level of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi increases
above 50% for 15 consecutive calendar days.
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(b) Stage 1 — Mild Water Shortage
Trigqer for initiation — The City will recognize that a mild water shortage watch exists
when the combined storage levels of Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi decline
below 40%.
Trigger for termination — Stage 1 of the Plan may be rescinded when the combined
storage level increases above 50%. The City will notify its wholesale customers and the
media of the termination of Stage 1 in the same manner as the notification of initiation of
Stage 1.
(c) Stage 2 — Moderate Water Shortage
Trigger for initiation — The City will recognize that a moderate water shortage condition
exists when the combined storage levels decline below 30%.
Trigger for termination — Stage 2 of the Plan may be rescinded when the combined
storage level increases above 40%. Upon termination of Stage 2, Stage 1 becomes
operative. The City will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination
of Stage 2.
(d) Stage 3 — Critical Water Shortage
Trigger for initiation — The City will recognize that a critical water shortage condition exists
when the combined storage levels decline below 20%.
Trigger for termination — Stage 3 of the Plan may be rescinded when the combined
storage level increases above 30%. Upon termination of Stage 3, Stage 2 becomes
operative. The City will notify its wholesale customers and the media of the termination
of Stage 3.
(e) Water Emergency
Level 1 Water Emergency
Trigger for initiation — A Level 1 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or
designee, determines that the City is within 180 days of its total water supply not meeting
its water demands. The 180-day trigger is in accordance with Texas Administrative Code
Title 30 Rule §290.41(b)(1) for Water Resources. The City Manager or designee can
modify the timing of triggering a Level 1 Water Emergency if the regional demands can be
fully met with alternative water sources other than the combined reservoir storage. Other
sources may include water from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline or future water supplies.
Trigger for termination - The Level 1 Water Emergency may be terminated when the City
Manager, or designee, determines that the City's total water supply can meet the total
regional demands for more than 180 days.
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Level 2 Water Emergency
Trigger for initiation — A Level 2 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or
designee determines that a water supply emergency exists, which causes the demand to
exceed the supply, subsequently leading to imminent failure to maintain pressure that
meets TCEQ minimum standards, including but not limited to;
a) Major catastrophic infrastructure failure including but not limited to; failure of a dam
or spillway structure, failure of a major water line such as the MRP or other large
diameter water lines, and/or failure of the City's water treatment facilities like O.N.
Stevens or other critical re -pump stations; or
b) Water production or distribution system limitations; or
c) Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source.
Trigger for termination — The Water Emergency may be terminated when the City
Manager, or designee, deems appropriate.
16.8 Drought Stages
The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, shall monitor water supply and/or
demand conditions and, in accordance with the triggering criteria set forth in Section
16.7, shall determine that a mild, moderate, critical, or a water emergency exists and
shall implement best management practices accordingly.
For water contracts between the City and wholesale customers with specific reductions
based on stage, wholesale water customers are to implement measures to achieve water
use reduction targets specified in the contract. For other contracts, required adoption of
a Drought Contingency Plan should strive to achieve the water use reduction targets for
each drought stage presented in the following table. Further discussion on best
management practices and implementation practices associated with each stage is
described below.
Drought Stage Response
CCR/LCC Combined
Reservoir Storage Level
Target Demand
Reduction Levels
Water Shortage Watch
<50%
5%
Stage 1- Mild Water
Shortage
<40%
5%
Stage 2- Moderate Water
Shortage
<30%
10%
Stage 3- Critical Water
Shortage
<20%
15%
Water Emergency
Level 1
Level 2
Not Applicable
25%
50%
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Water Shortage Watch
Target: Achieve a voluntary 5% reduction in daily water demand for each
wholesale customer utilizing City's water supply system.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
• The City will voluntarily coordinate with the necessary agencies to ensure that
unnecessary releases of water from the Reservoir System are minimized, including
leakage from gates or outlet works.
• The City will encourage each wholesale water customer to utilize auxiliary water sources
voluntarily such as interconnections with another water system, temporary use of a water
supply other than from the City's system, or use of reclaimed water for non -potable
purposes, etc.
Water Use Restrictions for Reducing Demand:
• The City Manager, or designee, will contact wholesale water customers to discuss water
supply and/or demand and will request that wholesale water customers initiate voluntary
measures to reduce water use.
• The City Manager, or designee, will provide a regular report to the news media with
information regarding current water supply and/or demand, projected water supply and
demand if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on water conservation
measures and practices.
Stage 1 — Mild Water Shortage
Target: Achieve a 5% reduction in daily water demand for each wholesale
customer utilizing the City's water supply system.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
• The City will coordinate with the necessary agencies to ensure that unnecessary
releases of water from the Reservoir System are minimized.
• The City will encourage each wholesale water customer to use reclaimed water or
auxiliary water for non -potable purposes.
Water Use Measures for Reducing Demand:
• The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will initiate contact with wholesale
water customers to discuss water supply and/or demand and the possibility of pro rata
curtailment of water diversions and/or deliveries.
• The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will request wholesale water
customers to initiate mandatory measures to reduce non -essential water use (e.g.
implement Stage 1 of the customer's drought contingency plan).
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® The City Manager, or designee, will provide a regular report to the news media with
information regarding current water supply and/or demand, projected water supply and
demand if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on water conservation
measures and practices.
Other Actions to be Taken:
® The City will notify, in writing, operators of recreational facilities to consider issuance of
signs near boat ramps and in public parks notifying the public that the Reservoir System
is operating at less than 40 % of its conservation pool volume, and that Stage 1 has been
declared. The City will recommend that operators post information to the public
regarding Stage 1 of the Drought Contingency Plan and possible boating safety hazards
due to decreasing Reservoir levels.
Stage 2 — Moderate Water Shortage
Target: Achieve a 10% reduction in daily water demand for each wholesale
customer utilizing the City's water supply system.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
® The City will coordinate with the necessary agencies to ensure that unnecessary
releases of water from the Reservoir System are minimized.
• The City will encourage each wholesale water customer to utilize alternative water
sources such as interconnections with another water system, temporary use of a water
supply other than from the City's system, use of reclaimed water for non -potable
purposes, etc.
Water Use Measures for Reducing Demand:
® The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will contact wholesale water
customers to discuss water supply and/or demand and will request that wholesale water
customers initiate additional mandatory measures to reduce non -essential water use
(e.g. implement Stage 2 of the customer's drought contingency plan).
® The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will initiate preparations for the
implementation of pro rata curtailment of water diversions and/or deliveries in
accordance with Texas Water Code §11.039 by preparing a monthly water usage
allocation baseline for each wholesale customer according to procedures specified in
16.9 of the Plan.
® The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will provide a regular report to the
news media with information regarding current water supply and/or demand, projected
water supply and demand if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on
water conservation measures and practices.
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Other Actions to be Taken:
• The City will notify, in writing, operators of recreational facilities to consider issuance of
signs near boat ramps and in public parks notifying the public that the Reservoir System
is operating at less than 30 % of its conservation pool volume, and that Stage 2 has been
declared. The City will recommend that operators post information to the public
regarding Stage 2 of the Drought Contingency Plan and possible boating safety hazards
due to decreasing Reservoir levels.
Stage 3 — Critical Water Shortage
Target: Achieve a 15% reduction in daily water demand for each wholesale
customer utilizing the City's water supply system.
Best Management Practices for Supply Management:
• The City will coordinate with the necessary agencies to ensure that unnecessary
releases of water from the Reservoir System are minimized, including leakage from
project gates.
• The City will encourage each wholesale water customer to utilize alternative water
sources such as interconnections with another water system, temporary use of a water
supply other than from the City's system, use of reclaimed water for non -potable
purposes, etc.
Water Use Restrictions for ReducingDemand:
• The City of Corpus Christi City ;Manager, or designee, will contact wholesale water
customers to discuss water supply and/or demand and will request that wholesale water
customers initiate additional mandatory measures to reduce non -essential water use
(e.g. implement Stage 3 of the customer's drought contingency plan).
• The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will initiate pro rata curtailment of
water diversions and/or deliveries for each wholesale customer according to the
procedures specified in Section 16.9 of the Plan in accordance with Texas Water Code
§ 11.039.
The City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, will provide a regular report to the
news media with information regarding current water supply and/or demand, projected
water supply and demand if drought conditions persist, and consumer information on
water conservation measures and practices.
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Other Actions to be Taken:
• The City will notify, in writing, operators of recreational facilities to consider issuance of
signs near boat ramps and in public parks notifying the public that the Reservoir System
is operating at less than 20% of its conservation pool volume and that Stage 3 has been
declared. The City will recommend that operators post information to the public regarding
Stage 3 of the Drought Contingency Plan and possible boating safety hazards due to
decreasing Reservoir levels.
Water Emergency
Whenever a Level 1 or Level 2 Water Emergency exists as defined in Section 16.7 of the
Plan, the City of Corpus Christi City Manager, or designee, shall:
• Assess the severity of the problem and identify the actions needed and the time required
to solve the problem.
• Contact the utility director or other responsible official of each wholesale water customer
by telephone, email, or in person to provide information on severity of water supply
and/or demand conditions and request that the wholesale water customer initiate
mandatory measures to reduce water consumption as appropriate (e.g., notification of
the public to reduce water use until service is restored).
• If appropriate, notify city, county, and/or state emergency response officials for
assistance.
• Undertake necessary actions, including repairs and/or clean-up as needed.
• Prepare a post -event assessment report on the incident and critique of emergency
response procedures and actions.
16.9 Pro Rata Water Allocation
In the event that the triggering criteria specified in Section 16.7 of the Plan, City of Corpus
Christi City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to implement allocation of water
supplies on a pro rata basis to raw water and treated wholesale customers in accordance
with Texas Water Code §11.039. The initiation of pro rata allocation preparations shall
begin during Stage 2. A provision will be included in every wholesale water contract
entered into or renewed after adoption of the Plan, including contract extensions, that in
case of a shortage of water resulting from drought, the water to be distributed shall be
divided in accordance with Texas Water Code §11.039.
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1) A raw water or wholesale treated water customer's monthly allocation shall be a
percentage of the customer's water usage baseline. Once pro rata allocation is in
effect, water diversions by or deliveries to each raw water or wholesale treated water
customer shall be limited to the allocation established for each month.
2) The City Manager shall provide notice, by certified mail, to each raw water or
wholesale treated water customer informing them of their monthly water usage
allocations and shall notify the news media and the Executive Director of the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality upon initiation of pro rata water allocation.
3) Upon request of the raw water or wholesale treated water customer or at the initiative
of the City Manager, the allocation may be reduced or increased if:
a. The designated period does not accurately reflect the raw water or wholesale
treated water customer's normal water usage;
b. The customer agrees to transfer part of its allocation to another raw water or
wholesale treated water customer; or
c. Other objective evidence demonstrates that the designated allocation is inaccurate
under present conditions. A customer may appeal an allocation established under
this section to the City Council of the City of Corpus Christi.
16.11 Request for Exemptions and Variances
The City Manager, or designee, may, in writing, grant a temporary variance to the pro
rata water allocation policies provided, by this Plan. If it is determined that failure to grant
such variance would cause an emergency condition adversely affecting essential water
use, and if one or more of the following conditions are met:
(1) Compliance with this Plan cannot be technically accomplished during the duration
of this water supply shortage or other condition for which the Plan is in effect.
(2) Alternative methods can be implemented which will achieve the same level of
reduction in water use.
Persons requesting an exemption from the provisions of this Plan shall file a petition for
variance with the City Manager within 5 days after a pro rata allocation has been invoked.
All petitions for variances shall be reviewed by the City Manager, or designee, and shall
include the following:
(1) Name and address of the petitioner(s).
(2) Detailed statement with supporting data and information as to how the pro rata
allocation of water under the policies and procedures established in the Plan
adversely affects the petitioner or what damage or harm will occur to the petitioner
or others if petitioner complies with this Ordinance.
(3) Description of the relief requested.
(4) Period of time for which the variance is sought.
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(5) Alternative measures the petitioner is taking or proposes to take to meet the intent
of this Plan and the compliance date.
(6) Other pertinent information.
Variances granted by the City shall be subject to the following conditions, unless waived
or modified by the City.
(1) Variances granted shall include a timetable for compliance with allocation
requirements.
(2) Variances granted shall expire when the Plan is no longer in effect, unless the
petitioner has failed to meet specified requirements.
No variance shall be retroactive or otherwise justify any violation of this Plan occurring
prior to the issuance of the variance.
Wholesale Water Supply customers that have industrial customer(s) that use in excess of
100,000 gallons per day may offer a non -mandatory Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee
in accordance with Article XII of Chapter 55 of the Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances
Section 55-159.1. Such Wholesale Water Supply customers will be required to collect
and transmit the Exemption Fee to the City of Corpus Christi. Participating Wholesale
Water Supply customers' industries will be afforded the same drought exemptions as
those afforded by the city of Corpus Christi large volume industrial users.
16.12 Severability
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City that the sections, paragraphs,
sentences, clauses, and phrases of this Plan are severable and, if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph, or section of this Plan shall be declared unconstitutional by the
valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall
not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections
of this Plan, since the same would not have been enacted by the City without the
incorporation into this Plan of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence,
paragraph, or section.
16.13 Reservoir System Operating Plan
Because all the wholesale customers rely on the reservoir systems for their supplies,
they are subject to the Reservoir Operating Plan. A copy of this is included.
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