Corpus Christi Faces Accelerating Water Crisis as Reservoirs Fail to Rebound

City officials warn drought-stricken lakes may not recover, prompting urgent action to secure alternative water sources

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Corpus Christi, Texas is grappling with a worsening water supply crisis as the city's main reservoirs, Choke Canyon and Lake Corpus Christi, show no signs of recovery despite prolonged drought conditions. City officials are now warning that the timeline for implementing a Level One water emergency may be moved up as they fast-track plans for deep groundwater wells and new water treatment options to supplement the dwindling traditional water sources.

Why it matters

Corpus Christi has long relied on the two western reservoirs as its primary water supply, but the historic drought has left them in dire condition with no clear path to recharging. This forces the city to rethink its entire water management strategy and accelerate the development of alternative sources to avoid a severe water shortage that could impact residents and businesses.

The details

City Manager Peter Zanoni said the city can no longer count on the reservoirs to rebound, even with a major storm or hurricane. As a result, officials are updating the water model that determines when curtailment or a Level One water emergency could begin, with the possibility of an earlier timeline. The city is fast-tracking plans for deep groundwater wells and a containerized brackish water treatment system connected to the western well field, which could go before City Council as soon as next week.

  • Corpus Christi officials warned the water emergency timeline may accelerate in February 2026.

The players

Peter Zanoni

The City Manager of Corpus Christi, Texas who is overseeing the city's response to the worsening water supply crisis.

Choke Canyon

One of the two main reservoirs that has historically provided Corpus Christi's primary water supply, but is now in dire condition due to prolonged drought.

Lake Corpus Christi

The other main reservoir that has long been a workhorse for Corpus Christi's water supply, but is also showing no signs of recovery amid the drought.

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What they’re saying

“Choke Canyon, Lake Corpus Christi, those for decades have been the workhorse for water supply but they are in dire condition today and they're not going to rebound with one storm or one hurricane.”

— Peter Zanoni, City Manager (kristv.com)

“Maybe a year ago we were expecting them to recharge, but at this point we're almost to the point where we're expecting them not to.”

— Peter Zanoni, City Manager (kristv.com)

What’s next

The city is fast-tracking plans for deep groundwater wells and a containerized brackish water treatment system, which could go before City Council as soon as Tuesday.

The takeaway

Corpus Christi's long-standing reliance on its two main reservoirs has become unsustainable due to the historic drought, forcing the city to urgently develop alternative water sources and rethink its entire water management strategy to avoid a severe shortage that could impact the community.