Corpus Christi officials tell Aransas Pass council regional water projects push risk of curtailment years out

Corpus Christi Water officials told the Aransas Pass City Council on Nov. 17 that the Coastal Bend region remains in an extended drought and described a multi‑pronged plan of groundwater wells, wastewater reuse and desalination intended to protect customers from mandatory curtailment.

Peter Zanoni, city manager for the city of Corpus Christi, said the region has been in drought roughly 4½ years and that on a peak summer day the utility may treat or withdraw about 130,000,000 gallons of water. He said the utility has shifted its supply mix so more than about 70% now comes from eastern sources — the Lower Colorado River and Lake Texana — rather than the western reservoirs Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon, both of which are at historic lows.

Nick Winkelman, chief operating officer for Corpus Christi Water, provided project specifics. He said the city has drilled eight…