What will your lawn, vehicle and foundation look like under the latest stage of Corpus Christi drought restrictions?
For your lawn, likely much, much greener.
However, there are still limitations on when and how lawn-watering may be done, and breaking the rules may lead to a fine in the hundreds of dollars.
The latest stage of drought restrictions — first going into effect in late August — clears the way for properties to be watered with hose-end sprinklers or other irrigation systems one day per week, each week.
It’s a sharp contrast from the city’s situation last spring, when the combined capacity of Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir dwindled to about 8% — a striking figure that had the community bracing for enforceable water allocations
for households, businesses and industry.
Comparatively, combined capacity of the lakes, as of Sept. 3, topped 41%, according to city data.
Here’s a breakdown of what Stage 1 drought restrictions mean and how they apply to your lawn, according to city staff and city documents.
What are Stage 1 drought restrictions?
Stage 1 restrictions are based on what the city’s Drought Contingency Plan describes as a “mild water shortage.”
They go into effect when the city’s main water sources, Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Reservoir, sink below 40% but are higher than 30%.
Stage 2 restrictions, if those are reached, must be shed first before transitioning into Stage 1 restrictions — requiring the combined capacity of the lakes to reach above 40%.
That was achieved in early August, as swollen waters from severe upstream flooding rolled into the lakes, raising water levels high enough to downgrade Stage 3 drought restrictions — which had previously been in effect since December 2024 — to Stage 2.
What are the rules for sprinklers?
Lawns can be watered with hose-end sprinklers or other automatic irrigation systems one day every week, but there are enforceable guidelines.
The day property owners can water their lawns with this method is designated by city officials, and watering may only be done between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
The city has online resources, at stage1.corpuschristitx.gov, showing the day your property can be watered with automatic irrigation systems. It is determined by location in the city.
How much can I hand-water?
Hand-watering landscaped areas can be done any day of the week, every week, as long as it is with a bucket, a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle or a watering can.
Similar to watering with hose-end sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems, hand-watering may only be done between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
The idea is to prevent evaporation.
Can I wash my car?
Washing any vehicle, including boats and motorbikes, is allowed each day of the week, every week.
The method of washing vehicles is similar to what is permitted for hand-watering of landscaped areas. A bucket may be used, as long as it is 5 gallons or less, and a hose may be used, as long as it features a positive shut-off nozzle.
What about my foundation?
Foundations may be watered on the same day that lawn-watering with automatic irrigation systems is allowed.
Foundation watering may be performed through either a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose.
How much is the fine if I break the rules?
Like other drought restriction stages, watering on a day different than the one assigned by the city, or during the prohibited hours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., can lead to a fine of as much as $500.
How long will Stage 1 drought restrictions last?
There’s not a way to know for certain the timeline; however, city officials have estimated they could be in effect through late April or early May.
It’s possible — maybe even likely — that after those dates, Stage 2 drought restrictions may return.
Under those rules, lawns may be watered one day every other week.
Corpus Christi has been under some version of drought restrictions for about three years, including a 1½-year stint of Stage 3 restrictions, which had banned lawn-watering entirely.
Emerging from drought restrictions altogether would mean the combined capacity of the lakes would need to reach at least 50%.
Kirsten Crow covers city government and water news. Have a story idea? Contact her at kirsten.crow@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here are the rules to follow under Stage 1 drought in Corpus Christi
