City of Corpus Christi | Media Briefing Water Supply Initiatives May 1, 2026

The City of Corpus Christi held a media briefing on May 1, 2026, to provide updates on its water supply initiatives and ongoing projects. Key procurement-related topics included progress on groundwater wellfield construction, pipeline installation, and the development of brackish groundwater treatment equipment expected in early 2027. The city is finalizing designs and preparing to engage multiple contractors for a conveyance pipeline from the Western Wellfield to the Owen Stevens plant. Additionally, the city is working on a contract for a seawater desalination project, targeting council consideration on June 2, 2026. Discussions also covered wastewater reuse projects designed to reduce water demand, with engineering design work about 60% complete. The briefing addressed water allocation policies, curtailment plans affecting all customer classes equally, and the development of an online portal for customers to monitor water usage. The city emphasized its enterprise fund status, noting that water operations are fully funded by ratepayers, which impacts budget allocations for assistance programs. No formal votes were taken during the briefing, but the city indicated ongoing collaboration with council members and stakeholders to finalize water emergency plans and procurement contracts.