Corpus Christi water sources have hit newest historic lows

Corpus Christi’s primary western water supplies, Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, fell to a combined 10% capacity on January 12, 2026, the lowest level on record.  Individually, Lake Corpus Christi measured 11.6% and Choke Canyon 9.4%, underscoring how little buffer remains if drought conditions persist.  Meanwhile, large-volume industrial users continue to consume the vast majority of the region’s water supply.

City officials said the region is still under Stage 3 drought restrictions, but no water emergency was declared and the drought plan does not automatically trigger additional operational changes at the 10% mark.  The city is increasingly leaning on its eastern sources, including Lake Texana and the Lower Colorado River, but those supplies are also trending downward, raising the possibility of mandatory curtailment later in 2026 if consumption and inflows don’t improve. 

Read more from Corpus Christi Caller Times reporter Kirsten Crow.