Corpus Christi delays action on plan to cut water use by 25% if emergency is declared
April 28, 2026
The Corpus Christi City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to delay a vote on how much residents, local businesses and refineries would have to cut water if a supply crisis is triggered.
Nick Winkelmann, chief operating officer of the city’s water department, presented a plan to require all customers of the city’s water system to reduce use by 25% during a Level 1 emergency — the point when the water supply is projected to be 180 days from falling short of demand. Experts say that may happen as soon as September unless significant rain falls.
Council members told Winkelmann they needed more information on how curtailment would be enforced — including fines and fees for customers who violate limits — before settling on a rate.