What You Need to Know About A Potential Level 1 Water Emergency
Anticipated date for potentially declaring Level 1 Water Emergency: December, 2026
Proposed Conservation Mechanisms
Baseline - Curtailment % = Allocation
Baselines
Baseline usage is the determined water usage of each customer class to establish its allocation.
Curtailment
Curtailment is the required water reduction of water usage of each customer class to establish its location. The proposed percentage of curtailment for Level 1 Water Emergency is 25%. *Pending City Council approval
Allocations
Allocations are the amount of water a customer may use per month during Level 1 Water Emergency.
Under Level 1 Water Emergency *Pending City Council Approval
| Customer Type | Baseline (Gallons per month) | Curtailment | Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 8,000 | 25% | 6,000 gallons per month |
| Commercial | Individual baseline per customer | 25% | Baseline - 25% = Allocation |
| Wholesale | Individual baseline per customer | 25% | Baseline - 25% = Allocation |
| Large Volume Users | Individual baseline per customer | 25% | Baseline - 25% = Allocation |
| City of Corpus Christi Municipal Accounts | Individual baseline per customer | 25% | Baseline - 25% = Allocation |
Community Engagement: Water Information Sessions
Beginning Monday, May 11, 2026, citizens will have the opportunity to attend Water Information Sessions. Water Information Sessions are scheduled across each district, including the Island and Calallen.
| Date | District | Location |
|---|---|---|
| District 4 (The Island) | Seashore Learning Gymnasium 15801 South Padre Island Drive | |
| May 28, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 2 | Greenwood Senior Center 4040 Greenwood Drive |
| June 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 5 | CCPD Police Training Academy 6902 Yorktown Boulevard |
| June 24, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 3 | Moody High School Gymnasium 1818 Trojan Drive |
| July 15, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 4 | Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham Road |
| August 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 1 (Calallen/Annaville) | Grace United Methodist Church 14521 Northwest Boulevard |
| August 26, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 1 | Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center 2021 Agnes Street |
| September 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. | District 2 | Lindale Senior Center 3135 Swantner Drive |
Understanding Your Water Bill
There are several ways a customer can check water usage.
Utility bill:
Look for the Meter Information and Consumption History sections.
Look for the Meter ID that starts with a letter W.
The number under the word Consumption represents the number of gallons consumed in the service period multiplied by 1,000.
In this example, the number 7 is multiplied by 1,000 gallons for a consumption of 7,000 gallons.
The bar graph on the right shows water use for the last 6 months.
3-1-1:
Customers can dial 3-1-1, and a representative will assist you.
Check Your Water Usage Online
Commercial and Residential customers can check their monthly and current water usage, available in both English and Spanish:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 1 Water Emergency in Corpus Christi?
A Level 1 Water Emergency is declared when the water supply is 180 days away from not meeting demand. During a Level 1 Water Emergency, strict conservation measures are put in place for all customers.
What are water curtailments, and how do they affect customers?
Curtailment is a required reduction in water use by all customers to meet water demand. Curtailment is calculated based on each customer class’ baseline water use. A 25% curtailment during a Level 1 Water Emergency is pending City Council approval.
What is my baseline water use? *Pending City Council Approval
Baseline use is water usage by each customer class and is used to establish allocations during a Level 1 Water Emergency.
- The monthly baseline during a Level 1 Water Emergency for a City of Corpus Christi residential water customer account is 8,000 gallons per month.
- The monthly baseline during a Level 1 Water Emergency for a City of Corpus Christi commercial water customer account is based on the average of the account’s monthly usages during 2021 through 2023, excluding the lowest monthly value for each calendar month.
- During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal baselines for each large volume account of the City of Corpus Christi is 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-September
- Spring/Fall: average of monthly usages from April-May and October-November
- Winter: average of monthly usages from January-March and December
- During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the Summer, Spring/Fall, and Winter seasonal baselines for each of the City of Corpus Christi Wholesale water customer accounts (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) are 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-September
- Spring/Fall: average of monthly usages from April-May and October-November
- Winter: average of monthly usages from January-March and December
What is an allocation?
An allocation is the amount of water a customer may use per month during a Level 1 Water Emergency.
How is my allocation calculated? *Pending City Council Approval
Baseline – Curtailment % = Allocation
- The residential customer class allocation during a Level 1 Water Emergency is 6,000 gallons per month: 8,000 (baseline) – 2,000 (25% curtailment) = 6,000.
- For commercial, wholesale, and large volume customer classes, the allocation during a Level 1 Water Emergency is calculated on an individual baseline minus 25% curtailment.
What if I use more water than my allocation?
Customers who use more than their Level 1 Water Emergency allocation are subject to surcharges.
What are surcharges, and why are they used?
Surcharges are temporary fees during a Level 1 Water Emergency that encourage conservation. Surcharges are unique to each customer class. Surcharges need approval from Council.
Residential | $4.00 per 1,000 gallons $8.00 per 1,000 gallons | Above Allocation to Baseline (6,000 to 8,000) |
Commercial | $4.00 per 1,000 gallons $8.00 per 1,000 gallons | Above Individual Allocation to Baseline Above Individual Baseline |
Large-Volume Users | $4.00 per 1,000 gallons $8.00 per 1,000 gallons | Above Individual Allocation to Baseline Above Individual Baseline |
Wholesale Customers | $4.00 per 1,000 gallons $8.00 per 1,000 gallons | Above Individual Allocation to Baseline Above Individual Baseline |
*Pending City Council approval
What is the Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee (DSEF)?
The DSEF is a fund that certain large volume customers voluntarily contribute to. The fund is to be used exclusively for new drought-proof water projects, adding an additional source of financing for future water supply. To date, the DSEF has contributed $6 million dollars per year toward water supply projects. The DSEF does not exempt large-volume customers from curtailment.
Will my water be shut off if I use more than my allocation?
CCW water customers are not subject to violations, penalties, enforcement, or shut off for exceeding their baseline or allocation during a Level 1 Water Emergency.
Can I wash my car/boat/motorbike/trailer/vehicle?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, use of water to wash any car, boat, motorbike, trailer, or other vehicle is allowed on any day if washing is done by hand using a five (5) gallon bucket or smaller, or if washing is done using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle. Flushing of boat engines is allowed for engine maintenance. Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges. *Pending City Council approval
Can I water my plants/vegetable gardens/landscaping?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, the use of water from the CCW system for the irrigation of landscaped areas is not allowed.
Exceptions:
- Alternate water sources, such as water captured in a rain barrel or well water, may be used for watering.
- Potted plants can be watered with water from the CCW system.
Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges.
*Pending City Council approval
Can I fill my swimming pool?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, filling pools with water from the CCW system is allowed to maintain structural integrity. Pool covers are required to minimize water loss from evaporation. Using inflatable pools and water slides is also allowed. Please avoid excessive water use, and please avoid letting water run into streets or gutters. Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges. *Pending City Council approval
Can I power wash?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, power washing with water from the CCW system is allowed. Please avoid excessive water use, and please avoid letting water run into streets or gutters. Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges. *Pending City Council approval
Can I water my foundation?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, watering with drip irrigation is allowed every two weeks on designated watering days. You can find your watering day here: Lake Levels Stage 3 Water Restrictions Dashboard. Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges. *Pending City Council approval
Will car washes be allowed to operate?
During a Level 1 Water Emergency, car washes will be allowed to operate. They are classified as commercial customers and will have a baseline and allocation calculated. Customers who use more than their allocation are subject to surcharges. *Pending City Council approval
What is being done to get more water?
The City has several water supply projects in various stages of development to increase water supply, including groundwater wells, seawater desalination, and reclaimed water. Please visit www.SecuringWater.corpuschristitx.gov for more project information.
How long will a Level 1 Water Emergency last?
Based on the Drought Contingency Plan, a 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.
What are some ways I can conserve water?
There are many ways to conserve water, such as checking for leaks, using water-saving appliances, and washing full loads of dishes or laundry. Visit Take of Texas’s website for water-saving resources and information. Take Care of Texas Blog | Take Care of Texas
How can residents stay updated on water supply conditions?
Residents can stay updated in several ways.
Weekly media briefings are held every Friday and are livestreamed on the City’s YouTube channel: City of Corpus Christi - YouTube
Water supply project information can be found at: www.SecuringWater.CorpusChristiTX.gov
For official City statements, often used to clarify factual details, visit For the Record on the City’s website: 'For the Record' News | City of Corpus Christi
Inside City Hall is a long-form video series providing a more in-depth look at water projects and updates: Inside City Hall | City of Corpus Christi
Official City social media platforms for quick and accurate information: Facebook; X(Formerly Twitter); LinkedIn
Submit Your Question About a Potential Level 1 Water Emergency
Questions will be moderated and considered for inclusion on this page.
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends