The Mary Rhodes Pipeline is out of service as workers investigate a leak discovered roughly at its halfway-point, according to officials.
In a Sept. 20 news release, representatives wrote that Corpus Christi Water “crews and its contractors have been working around the clock to identify the extent of the issue.”
“Progress has been made in dewatering both the project site and the pipeline,” it states. “Once the excavation surrounding the 64” pipeline is safe to access, crews will determine the extent of the issue and begin repair operations.”
The nearly 30-year-old pipeline — named after Mayor Mary Rhodes posthumously — is about 101 miles in length, conveying
water from Lake Texana and the Lower Colorado River to the city for treatment before distribution.
It was highly relied upon during the monthslong water crisis that neared becoming an emergency.
It brings as much 42,000 acre feet per year from the lake and as much as 35,000 acre feet annually from the river.
“While the MRP remains offline for repairs, CCW has increased production from the Nueces Groundwater Wells and water releases from the Wesley Seale Dam to [the water treatment plant],” the Sept. 20 news release states. “Increased Nueces River flow and higher water levels will be observed during this period.”
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: A key Corpus Christi water pipeline is down; repairs underway
