Stage 3 Drought Restriction in Effect

The Nueces Water Supply Corporation General manager has issued the following notice to all NWSC Members and customers and asks for everyone's cooperation in complying with these restrictions.

Stage 3 – Severe Water Shortage Conditions

The combined levels of Corpus Christi Water’s primary western water sources, Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoirs, have dropped below 20% capacity. In response to this severe drought, Corpus Christi Water (CCW) has declared Stage 3 of its Drought Contingency Plan, effective December 16, 2024. Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration for 76 counties, including the Coastal Bend, underscores the critical nature of these conditions.

Under NWSC’s Drought Contingency Plan, we are required to align with our regional water provider, CCW and wholesale provider, STWA. This coordinated action supports constant water conservation measures across our service area.

• Regional Drought Conditions: Severe drought is impacting the Coastal Bend region, requiring immediate action to conserve water resources.
• CCW/STWA Actions: CCW/STWA is enacting Stage 3 restrictions, including reduced water usage across all customer categories and penalties for non-compliance starting January 1, 2025.
• Implications: Aligning NWSC’s response with CCW/STWA ensures a unified approach, reducing confusion for customers and enhancing conservation efforts.

NWSC customers are expected to immediately comply with the following Stage 3 restrictions:

• Outdoor Watering Prohibition: All irrigation of landscaped areas, including lawn watering, is prohibited. Hand watering of outdoor potted plants is allowed before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle.
• Foundation Watering: Permitted weekly using a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, or a drip irrigation system.
• Vehicle and Boat Washing: Washing vehicles and boats at home is prohibited. Rinsing boats and flushing motors is permitted if done conservatively without wasting water.
• Swimming Pools: Filling pools is permitted to maintain equipment operations. Residents are encouraged to cover pools to prevent evaporation.
• Food Gardens: Hand watering of vegetable and herb gardens is allowed.
• Use of Grey Water: There are no restrictions on the use of grey water (recycled household water).
• Enforcement: Warnings will be issued throughout December for violations. Penalties, including fines up to $500 per violation per day, will be enforced beginning January 1, 2025.

The NWSC is enacting Stage 3 of its Drought Contingency Plan effective January 1, 2025. These restrictions are critical to conserving our community’s water supply amid unprecedented drought conditions. We urge all members to comply with these measures to ensure sustainable water resources for the future.

Your cooperation is important.