Water Conservation and Drought Emergency Information

The City of Rockport is currently under Stage 3 Water Restrictions 


Effective December 30, 2024


Water Storage Watch: Customers shall be requested to voluntarily conserve water and adhere to prescribed conditions on specific water uses when the combined storage levels of Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi fall below 50%.
 
Stage 1 - Mild Water Shortage: Stage 1 begins when the combined reservoir storage level declines below 40%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on certain non-essential water uses described in Section 10 of the DCP.
 
Stage 2 - Moderate Water Shortage: Stage 2 begins when the combined storage level declines below 30%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on certain non-essential water uses described in Section 10 of the DCP.
 
Stage 3 - Critical Water Shortage: Stage 3 begins when the combined storage level declines below 20%. Customers shall be required to comply with the requirements and restrictions on certain non-essential water uses described in Section 10 of the DCP.

Water Emergency

Level 1 Water Emergency: A Level 1 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or designee, determines that the City is within 180 days of its total water supply not meeting its water demands. The 180-day trigger is in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 30 Rule §290.41(b)(1) for Water Resources.  The City Manager or designee can modify the timing of triggering a Level 1 Water Emergency if the regional demands can be fully met with alternative water sources other than the combined reservoir storage. Other sources may include water from the Mary Rhodes Pipeline or future water supplies such as the Inner Harbor Seawater Desalination Treatment Facility.

Level 2 Water Emergency: A Level 2 Water Emergency begins when the City Manager, or designee determines that a water supply emergency exists, which causes the demand to exceed the supply, subsequently leading to imminent failure to maintain pressure that meets TCEQ minimum standards, including but not limited to.

  1. Major catastrophic infrastructure failure including but not limited to; failure of a dam or spillway structure, failure of a major water line such as the MRP or other large diameter water lines, and/or failure of the City’s water treatment facilities like O.N. Stevens or other critical re-pump stations; or
  2. Water production or distribution system limitations; or
  3. Natural or man-made contamination of the water supply source.

Stage 3 Restrictions are as Follows:

  • Irrigation of turf grass by any means shall be prohibited at all times.
  • Drip irrigation for foundations and landscaped beds is allowed every other week on the designated watering schedule. The watering schedule will be determined by the City Manager or designee. Customers will be made aware of their designated watering day.
  • Watering of trees, vegetable beds, shrubs, and potted plants is permitted on any day if it is by means of a handheld hose (with a positive shutoff nozzle), a faucet-filled bucket, or a watering can of five (5) gallons or less. 
  • Exceptions for Stage 3 restrictions may be permitted up to 30 days, upon review and approval by the City Manager or designee, for new plantings. In addition, this restriction does not apply to customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system. Customers irrigating with well water or an aerobic septic system must display a prominent, legible sign stating, "Water Well."
  • Use of water to wash a motor vehicle, not occurring on the premises of a commercial car wash station, is allowed by hand, with a five (5) gallon bucket or less on the designated watering day. 
  • The filling, draining and refilling of an existing swimming pool, Jacuzzi and hot tubs is prohibited except to maintain structural integrity. 
  • A person or entity who owns, leases, or manages an outdoor swimming pool (including City-owned pools) shall have approximately 100% of the pool surface area covered when not in use.  A request for an exemption or variance from this provision for pools that have a water-saving feature may be submitted.
  • Operators of water parks must seek approval from the City Manager or designee prior to the filling, refilling, or adding water to water parks. 
  • All fountains shall only operate to circulate water in order to maintain equipment.
  • Hotels, motels, and other lodgings must offer and clearly notify guests of a “linen/towel change on request only” program.

The Drought Contingency Plan does not apply to irrigation systems using private water wells or aerobic septic systems; however, properties using such systems must post a prominent, legible sign stating “Water Well”.  It is a separate violation to display a sign which falsely claims the water used to be from another source. 

Please see the City's Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Plan for additional details on triggers, targets, authorized or prohibited uses, and penalties.

Triggers under the regional Drought Contingency Plan are tied to the total amount of water in storage in Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi (CCR/LCC) combined. 

Rockport buys treated water from the San Patricio Municipal Water District (SPMWD) which, in turn, buys raw water from the City of Corpus Christi. The City's contract with SPMWD requires the City to follow SPMWD's plan.

Customers with questions are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department at (361) 790-1160.

View the current levels in the "Lake Level" graphic on the SPMWD page.


Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

 

  1. 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.                                                                                

  1. Who is affected by Stage 3 water restrictions?

Restrictions apply to all City of Rockport water customers, including homeowners, apartment buildings, city facilities, commercial businesses, and industry.

  1. Will I be billed a surcharge on my water bill?

No. There are no active surcharges for water usage.                                                                              

  1. Can I water my foundation?

Yes. Foundation watering to maintain structural integrity is permitted only on designated watering days. You must use a 5-gallon bucket or smaller, a hand-held hose with a shut-off nozzle, or a drip irrigation system.

Watering Schedule

  • Tuesday – Even numbered houses  
  • Wednesday – Odd numbered houses   
  • Thursday - Multifamily and Commercial 
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Can I wash my boat?

Yes, you can hand wash your boat or other vehicles at home on your designated watering day shown here, but only if you use a 5-gallon bucket. Washing boats with soap and detergents using a hose is not permitted. Additionally, 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Can I water my food garden?

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

  1. Do industrial customers have to follow Stage 3 water restrictions?

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

  1. What if the City of Rockport is not my water provider?

Please contact your water provider for Stage 3 watering updates. 

  1. Can I fill my Koi Pond?

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

  1. Can I rinse my rods and fishing gear?

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

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Are commercial car washes affected?

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

  1. 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

   20. Can I wash my RV?

 All washing of RVs is prohibited unless using well water.