Corpus Christi Faces Looming Water Crisis

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Corpus Christi, home to the nation's top crude oil export port, is on track to hit a formal "water emergency" within months and could face a potential system failure next year as its main water sources have dropped to critically low levels after an extended drought. Local leaders are being criticized for delaying or abandoning major water projects over the past decade as population growth and industrial demand surged, leaving the city ill-prepared to handle the worsening crisis.

Why it matters

A water collapse in Corpus Christi could have far-reaching impacts, disrupting jet-fuel production for Texas airports and rippling through gasoline markets, as the port ships enormous quantities of oil and refined fuels. Former and current officials warn of "mass unemployment," refinery shutdowns, and even the need for emergency pipelines or desalination barges to avoid a citywide evacuation.

The details

Corpus Christi's main water sources, including Lake Corpus Christi, have dropped to around 10% capacity after an extended drought. Local leaders delayed or abandoned major water projects, including desalination plants and new pipelines, over the past decade as population growth and industrial demand surged. City officials note they've greenlit $1 billion in water projects, but critics say that's too little, too late.

• Corpus Christi is on track to hit a formal "water emergency" within months.
• The city could face a potential water system failure next year.

What’s next

City leaders have greenlit $1 billion in water projects, but critics say that may be too little, too late to avert a crisis.