CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — City leaders announced Monday that residents of Corpus Christi are now under stage one water restrictions, which is due to the extended drought across the area.
The restrictions are part of the drought contingency plan and are based on the combined capacity lake levels of Lake Corpus Christi and the Choke Canyon Reservoir. That level has now fallen to below 40-percent.
For most of us, the initial part of this plan will affect when we water the lawn.
Corpus Christi's Mayor Joe McComb said finding an alternative water source could very well help the city avoid future water restrictions during drought conditions.
He believes a multi-million-dollar desalination plant is the answer, but incoming Mayor Paulette Guajardo said the focus should be on what we can do right now to conserve our water supply.
As the city moves into stage one of water restrictions, Mayor McComb said it's a stark reminder that we live in a dry area dependent on rain over our water shed.
"It's going to rain, but we don't know when. Could it be this weekend, or two months from now?," McComb said.
For years, the city has been looking for alternative water sources.
In fact, it was just a few months ago when council approved an $11.4 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board that would help establish where a proposed multi-million-dollar desalination plant could be built.
"If we had that desal facility up and running, we would not be having to go through this," said McComb.
McComb backs such a project that he said is the most cost effect solution to having a future water supply during future drought events.
Desalination works by taking in seawater and removing the salt and impurities, turning it into fresh water.
In January, the fate of the project will be in the hands of a new council led by Mayor-elect Paulette Guajardo.
"I hope council will stay on the course and move forward on what is in the best interest of the 500,000 plus customers," said McComb.
"As I've mentioned before, there are other options that I don't think we've gotten enough information on in terms of the detail on them," said Mayor-elect Paulette Guajardo.
You might recall, it was that reason why the councilmember was one of three who voted no on that loan, though it still had enough votes to pass.
Today, Guajardo said a desal plant is still an option, but one that is years away from becoming a reality.
"Desal is a long-term solution that is eight years away at a minimum and we've begun the process of looking into this source. We have not made the decision based on conversations we've had in council," said Guajardo.
She believes the city should be focused on the short-term solution, which right now is the water contingency plan.
"To make certain that can do everything we can to address the issue. It's critical for the community, but we've got to look at short term solutions," said Guajardo.
In the meantime, residents will continue to be asked to adjust their water usage at home.
Based on the council's previous vote and timeline, the permitting process on the plant's possible location is supposed to come sometime in the spring or summer.
RELATED: McComb: Passage for first loan for Desal Plant will result in 'no increase' to your water bill
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