STAGE 3 FAQ

Stage 3 FAQ For Residents

Does Drought Status Stage 3 mean water restrictions?

Yes, Stage 3 means we need to pause outdoor water use to protect our water supply. This includes temporarily stopping lawn watering, at-home car washing, and operating decorative fountains. Indoor water use like showering, laundry, and dishes can continue as normal.

Who is affected by Stage 3 water restrictions?

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

What are the consequences of not following Stage 3 water restrictions?

Citations for not following Stage 3 water restrictions will be issued. Citations could result in fines of up to $500 per violation per day.

Can I fill my pool?

Yes, filling pools is permitted at this time to maintain equipment operations. Residents are encouraged to cover pools as often as possible to prevent evaporation.

Can I wash my boat?

Washing boats with soap and detergents at home is not permitted. The rinsing of boats and flushing of boat motors is permitted at a commercial establishment or using water from one’s residence conservatively. Rinsing boats and motors should be done in a manner that does not waste water.

Can I water my potted plants?

Outdoor potted plants are not considered landscaped areas and can be watered. Landscaped areas are not allowed to be watered.

Are there exceptions to the restrictions?

Residents under water restrictions can apply for temporary variances.

Applications are available at
Find Your Watering Day/Drought Status | City of Corpus Christi and can be submitted electronically or in person. Each request is carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What if Corpus Christi Water is not my water provider?

If you use a water provider or live in a city listed below, please contact your water provider for Stage 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, Taft

Can I rinse my rods and fishing gear?

Yes, however, residents are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible.

Can I water during Stage 3?

Non-essential outside watering use is prohibited. Citations for not following Stage 3 water restrictions will be issued and could result in fines of up to $500 per violation per day. Enforcement includes nights and weekends.

Will I be billed a surcharge on my water bill?

No. There are no active surcharges for water usage.

Can I water my foundation?

Yes. Foundation watering to maintain structural integrity is permitted only on specific watering days shown 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.

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

Irrigation with water wells or aerobic septic systems is exempt from water restrictions.

Visit Find Your Watering Day/Drought Status | City of Corpus Christi and click on Request for Exemptions.

What is grey water, and can I use it?

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

Can I water my food garden?

Hand watering is allowed for gardens used to grow vegetables and herbs.

Do industrial customers have to follow Stage 3 water restrictions?

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

Can I fill my Koi Pond?

Yes, however, residents are encouraged to conserve water as much as possible.

Is there a location where "grey water" can be picked up by a citizen?

“Grey Water” is recycled water you use from your home. (See Question 10 above.) Treated wastewater is only available for commercial use.

Stage 3 FAQ For Businesses

Can my business still operate normally during Stage 3?

Yes, most indoor business operations can continue as normal. Stage 3 primarily affects outdoor water use.

What changes do restaurants need to make?

Restaurants are encouraged to serve water upon request and post water conservation notices. Normal kitchen operations can continue.

Can my pool service business continue operations?

Yes, pool service businesses can continue. Filling and maintaining pools are allowed for equipment maintenance. Encourage clients to use pool covers to reduce evaporation.

Are new developments prohibited under Stage 3?

New development is not prohibited by Stage 3 water restrictions. Certificates of Occupancies are still being issued by Development Services. The requirement of planting sod and trees for new development is being waived at this time. Developers and homeowners may still plant sod and trees but risk their survival as landscape watering is prohibited.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Businesses may receive fines up to $500 per violation per day. Work with us to ensure compliance and protect our water supply.

What if my business requires outdoor water use?

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

How does stage 3 affect my commercial landscaping?

All landscape irrigation must be paused. Consider posting signs to inform customers about brown grass due to drought conditions.

Are commercial car washes affected?

Commercial car washes can continue operating as they typically use recycled water systems.

Why are we entering

Stage 3?

Combined reservoir levels are below 20% capacity. Current weather forecasts predict above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall, which will impact our water supply.

What is the City doing to address this situation?

The City is securing additional groundwater sources, increasing Mary Rhodes Pipeline capacity, reducing municipal water use, and conducting educational outreach

DROUGHT STATUS STAGE 3

STAGE 3 FAQ

Stage 3 FAQ For Residents

Stage 3 FAQ For Businesses

DROUGHT STATUS
STAGE 3