Corpus Christi, a growing industrial city on Texas’ Gulf Coast, is facing a tough water shortage that is causing a lot of concern. The city, located about 400 miles south of Dallas, has been dealing with a severe drought that has lasted for seven years. This dry spell has hit just as the area has seen a boom in oil and chemical industries, making the water problem even worse.
The city depends on two main reservoirs, Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi, for its water. Right now, these reservoirs are at only 12% capacity. That’s very low and has led to strict water limits like banning lawn watering, restricting car washing, and limiting pool maintenance. Officials warn that if the drought continues, water supplies could be cut by 25% next year, and emergency measures could come into effect as soon as November 2026.
Industries like Exxon Mobil, Koch Industries, Celanese, and Occidental Petroleum use about half of the city’s water. This has caused frustration among residents who feel these companies consume too much water while enjoying lower rates and tax breaks. Some residents say they don’t see any benefits from these big industrial projects, which also raise their water bills.
City leaders are split on how to deal with this crisis. Some want to build a large seawater desalination plant to provide more water in the future. This plant could become one of the biggest in the country. The state has offered significant financial support, including $235 million in direct funding and a $757 million loan at below-market rates. But the city council recently stopped work on the project after residents pushed back against the high costs—more than $1 billion—and concerns that the plant would mainly help industry, not people.
The debate has become heated. Councilwoman Carolyn Vaughn accused state officials of pressuring her to support the desalination plan despite her reservations. The governor’s office says the state has put a lot of effort into the project and warned the city that pulling out could hurt future cooperation.
While this dispute continues, local groups and some officials argue that the city needs to find reliable water sources soon, as demand is expected to grow 30% in the coming years. Meanwhile, industries are preparing for less water availability, with some looking for alternative water supplies and ways to recycle more.
The city’s economy has grown rapidly, with over $57 billion invested since 2010, turning Corpus Christi into a key player in oil and gas exports and petrochemical production. But the water shortage threatens both the industries and the people living there.
Leaders now say they will explore other options to secure water and keep the city growing without worsening the shortage. One local development official said this situation is a warning for other communities planning to attract heavy industry.
For now, the city is caught between protecting its water supply and supporting the businesses that fuel its economy. The coming months will be crucial in finding a path forward.