Sinton, Corpus Christi Clash Over Evangeline Groundwater Project

Sinton leaders say key data is being withheld, while Corpus Christi says it remains committed to regional cooperation.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:34am

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The dispute between the cities of Sinton and Corpus Christi over the Evangeline Groundwater Project is escalating, with Sinton leaders accusing Corpus Christi of withholding key scientific data and dismissing their concerns. Sinton has filed a formal protest to ensure a public hearing on the project, which they say is necessary to protect the shared aquifer serving communities across San Patricio County.

Why it matters

The Evangeline Groundwater Project is a crucial water supply initiative for the region, but the dispute highlights the challenges of achieving true regional cooperation when it comes to managing shared water resources. Sinton's concerns about transparency and access to data are seen as essential to responsible groundwater management, while Corpus Christi maintains it remains committed to dialogue and finding a solution.

The details

Sinton City Manager John Hobson says the city and the St. Paul Water Supply Corporation submitted a counterproposal on February 20th aimed at creating a "cooperative, science-based regional solution", but attorneys for Corpus Christi and Evangeline/Laguna later dismissed it as "overly restrictive and unnecessary". Hobson says Sinton's protests were necessary to ensure a public hearing under the rules of the San Patricio Groundwater Conservation District, as the project could have been automatically approved without them.

  • On February 20, 2026, Sinton and St. Paul Water Supply Corporation submitted a counterproposal to Corpus Christi and Evangeline/Laguna.
  • In early April 2026, the City of Corpus Christi is expected to begin fieldwork on the Evangeline Groundwater Project, including establishing access roads and installing water lines.

The players

John Hobson

City Manager of Sinton, Texas.

Peter Zanoni

City Manager of Corpus Christi, Texas.

San Patricio Groundwater Conservation District

The groundwater district that oversees the Evangeline aquifer serving Sinton, Corpus Christi, and other communities in the region.

Evangeline/Laguna

A partner organization with Corpus Christi on the Evangeline Groundwater Project.

St. Paul Water Supply Corporation

A rural water supply corporation in San Patricio County that has joined Sinton in protesting the Evangeline Groundwater Project.

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What they’re saying

“From the outset, we have operated under a simple principle: regional solutions only work when every participant has access to the same scientific information and can evaluate impacts on equal footing. Transparency is not a 'harsh' demand—it is the minimum standard for responsible groundwater management.”

— John Hobson, City Manager, City of Sinton

“The City of Corpus Christi remains committed to transparency and constructive dialogue regarding the Evangeline Groundwater Project and the long-term sustainability of regional water resources.”

— Peter Zanoni, City Manager, City of Corpus Christi

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Sinton and the St. Paul Water Supply Corporation to proceed with a public hearing on the Evangeline Groundwater Project permit application.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the challenges of achieving true regional cooperation when it comes to managing shared water resources. Transparency and access to data are seen as essential by Sinton, while Corpus Christi maintains it remains committed to dialogue. The outcome could have significant implications for the long-term sustainability of the Evangeline aquifer serving communities across San Patricio County.