City of Corpus Christi | Media Briefing Water Supply Initiatives May 29, 2026

The City of Corpus Christi held a media briefing on May 29, 2026, to provide updates on water supply initiatives amid ongoing drought conditions. City Manager Peter Zanoni detailed progress on eight major water supply projects, including groundwater development, brackish water reverse osmosis treatment, wastewater reuse for industrial customers, and multiple seawater desalination projects. A significant procurement item was the upcoming City Council vote on a $78 million contract for the 60% design and pilot construction of the Inner Harbor seawater desalination project. The briefing also covered proposed temporary relief from mandated environmental water releases to conserve reservoir levels, ongoing negotiations and permitting for groundwater wells, and partnerships with industrial customers to fund infrastructure. Additionally, the city announced plans to accelerate water and wastewater rate increases to fund these capital projects, with budget presentations and rate adoption scheduled for July 2026 and rate implementation in October 2026. The briefing emphasized community engagement efforts, including a water usage portal and stakeholder meetings, and addressed concerns about equitable water restrictions for multi-family housing during potential Level 1 water emergencies.