Nueces County declares local water‑shortage disaster as drought worsens

Nueces County’s Commissioners Court declared a local state of disaster related to an ongoing water shortage on April 30, a step the county judge described as “the first of many actions” to protect residents as regional drought persists.

The proclamation, read into the record by the county judge, cites the governor’s April 17, 2026 disaster proclamation, National Weather Service forecasts for continued exceptional drought, and stage‑three restrictions in the city of Corpus Christi — the county’s primary water provider. The court voted unanimously to adopt the declaration, which activates the county emergency management plan and authorizes “all necessary measures” to respond to the shortage.

Why it matters: County officials said the declaration is intended to buy time and coordinate a local response while urging residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water use. Public commenters at the meeting raised concerns that municipal land purchases and water‑right transactions could concentrate water access and further pressure rural groundwater supplies.

What the court approved: The court’s declaration takes effect immediately and remains in place until rescinded. Commissioners said the declaration allows staff to pursue additional drought‑mitigation steps and to coordinate with state and regional partners. The judge and commissioners urged residents and businesses to begin voluntary conservation now to preserve remaining supplies.

What residents said: During the public‑comment period, rural residents urged the court to press for long‑term projects such as desalination. Terry Mindiola, who identified herself as a rural property owner, said municipal purchases of water rights and annexations threaten private wells and called for construction of a desalination plant. The judge clarified the county does not control municipal water utility decisions but said the county intends to be “proactive” on behalf of local residents.

Next steps: County staff will implement actions under the emergency management plan and report back with follow‑up measures; officials said they will also consult state partners about available resources. The declaration does not itself impose new mandatory restrictions on residents; it is a legal step that broadens the county’s ability to coordinate response efforts and to request state assistance.

The court’s action was taken at its April 30 meeting and was approved unanimously.