STAGE 1 FAQ as of August 24, 2026
01
Does Drought Status Stage 1 mean water restrictions?
Yes, Stage 1 indicates a mild water shortage triggered when combined reservoir storage drops below 40% capacity.
03
Who is affected by Stage 1 water restrictions?
These restrictions apply to every person, business, and entity that uses water provided by the City of Corpus Christi. This includes residential households, multi-family accounts, commercial businesses, industrial users, and wholesale water customers.
05
What are the consequences of not following Stage 1 water restrictions?
Violating drought restrictions is a Class C misdemeanor, with fines of up to $500 per day. For a second offense on the same premises, Corpus Christi Water can disconnect service.
07
Can I fill my pool?
Pool filling is not prohibited during Stage 1, though water customers are urged to conserve and avoid nonessential water waste. Stage 1 does not impose the pool cover mandates that take effect in later stages.
09
Can I wash my car, boat, or trailer?
There are no restrictions on vehicle washing during Stage 1 water restrictions. If washing at home, please avoid excessive water use and letting water run into streets or gutters.
11
Can I water my food garden?
The watering of vegetable gardens with an irrigation system or sprinkler may be eligible for an exemption to the once-every-other-week rule. Please apply for an exemption here. Exemption requests are subject to review and approval.
Watering vegetable gardens using a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle, a bucket, or a drip irrigation system is allowed any day before
10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
02
Can I water during Stage 1?
Watering landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems is allowed once per week, on your designated watering schedule before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
Watering landscape areas is allowed on any day using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, bucket, small watering can, or drip irrigation system with a positive shutoff device, before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m
04
Will I be billed a surcharge on my water bill?
No. There are no active surcharges for water usage.
06
Can I water my foundation?
Foundation watering using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed once per week on your designated watering day.
Foundation watering using a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle is allowed any day before 10:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
08
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. Please apply for an exemption here.
10
Can I water my potted plants?
Yes, potted plants can be watered any day before 10:00 a.m. or after
6:00 p.m. using a hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle, a faucet-filled bucket, a watering can of five gallons or less, or a drip irrigation system.
12
Are there exceptions to the restrictions?
Yes, temporary variances and exemptions can be requested by filing an application with Corpus Christi Water within five days of stage implementation. Exemptions may be granted for new plantings (up to 60 days), vegetable gardens, athletic fields, botanical gardens, and auxiliary water users. Please apply for an exemption here.