CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — The City of Corpus Christi will hold a press conference at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16 at the ON Stevens Water Treatment Plant to provide information on Stage 3 water restrictions.

Once Stage 3 has been declared for the city of Corpus Christi, all citizens should reduce their water consumption, but what exactly does that mean?

The city of Corpus Christi has released its ‘Prepare for Step 3’ webpage, which contains all the details of stage 3 water restrictions.

We’ve also listed some answers to the most critical questions people may have about entering Stage 3 water restrictions:

What is step 3?

Stage 3 of water restrictions occurs when the combined levels of the City of Corpus Christi’s primary western water sources (Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs) are at 19.9% ​​capacity.

“Pursuant to Section 5 of the City’s Drought Preparedness Plan, the authority to declare Stage 3 water restrictions rests with the City Manager when combined lake levels drop below 20%,” city officials said.

Does drought status mean stage 3 water restrictions for everyday citizens?

Step 3 means we must pause outdoor water use to protect our water supply. This includes temporarily stopping watering the lawn, washing cars at home and using decorative fountains. However, city officials say indoor water use such as showering, laundry and dishes can continue as usual.

Can I water my lawn during step 3?

No, unnecessary watering of your lawn is prohibited. Notices for non-compliance with water restrictions at stage 3 will be issued and may result in fines of up to $500 per violation per day. Enforcement includes nights and weekends. Throughout the remainder of December, warnings will be issued as necessary to those who do not comply with the mandatory water restrictions. The citation begins on January 1, 2025. During stage 2 of water restrictionscitizens could still water their lawns with a handheld nozzle on their hose, BUT NOT IN STEP 3.

Citizens are encouraged to purchase a rain barrel to water their lawns and landscapes. City of Corpus Christi have rain barrels for sale Monday through Friday at City Hall, located at 1201 Leopard Street, by Central Cashiering. Price is $47 each plus tax. You can take your receipt to the warehouse on Civitan Drive for pickup. The warehouse is closed from 12.00 to 13.00 for lunch.

See below for rain barrel information, a pickup map and purchase eligibility. Each household is limited to two rain barrels. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Can I shower daily?

Yes, you can shower as usual. City officials suggest taking shorter showers. A 5-minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower saves 12.5 liters of water.

Can I wash my clothes?

Yes. City officials say you should wash full loads of clothes because you can save 3,400 gallons of water when the washing machine is full.

Can I brush my teeth?

Yes. City officials say you can brush your teeth as often as you want, but you should turn off the water while brushing. Turning off the water can save 220 liters of water per week and family.

To whom do water restrictions apply in step 3?

Restrictions apply to all residents of the City of Corpus Christi, including homeowners, apartment buildings, city facilities, commercial businesses and industry.

Will I get a charge on my water bill?

No. There are no active add-ons for water use.

Can I water my home’s foundation?

Yes. Groundwatering to maintain structural integrity is permitted only on the specified watering day for Stage 2 appear in this calendar. You must use a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, or a drip irrigation system.

Can I fill my pool at my home?

Yes, it is allowed to fill pools at this time to maintain equipment operation. Residents are encouraged to cover pools as often as possible to prevent evaporation.

Are there exceptions to the restrictions?

Residents under water restrictions can apply for temporary deviations. Applications are available at cctexas.com/conserve and can be submitted electronically or in person. Each request is carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What is greywater and can I use it?

Gray water is water that has already been used, usually produced from washing machines, bathtubs or sinks. It is not suitable for drinking. There are no restrictions on the use of gray water.

What if I have a water well or an aerobic septic system?

Irrigation with water wells or aerobic septic systems are exempt from water restrictions. Visit cctexas.com/conserveand click Request Exception.​

Do industrial customers have to follow stage 3 water restrictions?

Yes. Industry and commercial activities must follow the same guidelines as the residents.

What if Corpus Christi Water is not my water supplier?

If you use a water supplier or live in a city listed below, don’t hesitate to contact your water supplier for step 3 watering updates:

Nueces County Water Control District #4, San Patricio Municipal Water District, South Texas Water Authority, Violet Water Corporation, Agua Dulce, Alice, Aransas Pass, Beeville, Bishop, Corpus Christi, Driscoll, Fulton, Gregory, Ingleside, Kingsville, Mathis, Odem, Port Aransas, Portland, Riviera, Rockport and Taft.

Can my business still operate as usual during stage 3?

Yes, most indoor activities can continue as usual. Stage 3 primarily affects outdoor water use.

What if my business requires outdoor water use?

Contact the City’s Water Resources Hotline at 361-826-1600 to discuss your specific business needs. Some businesses may qualify for a temporary exemption based on their operations.

What changes do the restaurants need to make?

Restaurants are encouraged to serve water on request and send water conservation messages. However, normal kitchen operations can continue.

How does step 3 affect my commercial landscaping?

All landscape irrigation must be paused. City officials say it should consider putting up signs to inform customers of brown grass due to drought.

Irrigation is when you use large sprinklers to water large areas of grass. People who own landscaping businesses should contact city officials if they have more questions.

Can my pool service business continue to operate?

Yes, pool service companies can continue. Filling and maintaining pools are permitted for equipment maintenance. Encourage customers to use pool covers to reduce evaporation.

Are commercial car washes affected?

Commercial car washes can continue to operate as usual because they usually use a recycled water system.