Water, Politics, and Pressure: The future of Corpus Christi’s water supply

Water, Politics, and Pressure: The future of Corpus Christi’s water supply

Bill Churchwell | 3News

As Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend face a growing water crisis, the conversation is no longer just about finding more water, it’s about who should be responsible for solving the problem.

Should local leaders remain in control? Or is it time for the state or federal government to step in?

That question is now at the center of discussions stretching from Corpus Christi City Hall to Austin and Washington, D.C.

During his February visit to the Coastal Bend, President Donald Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the situation during remarks to 3News.

“This is called a serious money ask and I’m going to get that thing approved for you guys,” said President Trump.

At the center of many of those conversations is the proposed Inner Harbor seawater desalination plant viewed by some leaders as the region’s most important long-term water supply project.

Congressman Michael Cloud says the federal government is already working behind the scenes to support the effort.

“He talked and made a commitment that said this is so important,” said Cloud.

Cloud says the Trump Administration recently removed a $30 million federal funding cap that previously made it harder for large desalination projects to qualify for assistance.

Still, he admits there is no established roadmap for a project of this size.

“We’re working with the concept of establishing a new, started out as a desal center of excellence, but has expanded to a water technology center of excellence where basically you’d have another bucket, that you could begin to funnel. Federal support to,” said Cloud.

Cloud says the stakes stretch far beyond Corpus Christi.

The region’s port, refineries, military presence at NAS Corpus Christi, and petrochemical industry all make the water crisis a matter of national importance.

“The conversations from the federal level are how do we get this done, not does it need to get done.”

But even as state and federal leaders pledge support, frustration is growing over how the city reached this point.

“We can’t totally make up for decisions that should have been made 10 and 20 years ago, but we are working as quickly as we can to support what needs to be done here,” said Cloud.

State Representative Denise Villalobos says the issue is not a lack of ideas but a lack of action.

“I don’t think this is a project problem, I think there’s plenty of projects out there, but it’s a decision problem.”

Villalobos represents both Corpus Christi and rural communities relying on groundwater wells, where residents are already seeing impacts from the drought.

“farms and ranches, and they’re feeling the effects of their wells dropping through the drought and as the city pumps more water,” said Villalobos.

When it comes to industries that consume large amounts of water, she says they are also trying to reduce demand through recycling and reuse projects.

“Each of them are developing and trying to implement their own plan as quickly as they can within this calendar year. Wastewater reuse with Flint Hills and Valero and just finding additional water resources, whether that’s a barge desal, groundwater wells, everyone’s trying to do their part,” said Villalobos.

Governor Greg Abbott has also sharply criticized Corpus Christi city leadership in recent months, warning the state may eventually intervene if progress stalls.

“We can only give them a little more time before the State of Texas has to take over and micromanage that city.”

In a statement to 3News, the Governor’s Office said:

“Governor Abbott will utilize all necessary tools to ensure the Corpus Christi area has a safe, reliable water supply.”

The state has already provided funding for emergency wells, pipeline improvements, and expedited emergency water permits.

Still, Villalobos says she believes local leaders should remain in charge of declaring any emergency measures.

“Maybe not for the state to declare a water emergency on Corpus Christi. They should do that on their own. I’m all for local control,” said Villalobos.

Meanwhile, Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo is taking the city’s case directly to Washington, asking for $500 million for the Inner Harbor desalination project all while facing political tension back home, including efforts by some council members to remove her from office.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa says now is not the time for political infighting.

“It reminds me of when Rome was burning down and he was playing the fiddle. Right now the focus ought to be on trying to our water needs and set aside the political disagreements,” said Hinojosa.

For now, leaders are hoping rain, conservation efforts, and emergency projects can buy enough time to avoid the worst-case scenario.

But nearly everyone involved agrees on one thing.

“The best time to start this would have been 10 years ago or before that,” said Cloud.

Villalobos says Corpus Christi could see additional state funding during the next legislative session.