Corpus Christi Reservoirs Fall to 37.1% Full

Combined water level at the two western reservoirs that supply the city dropped to 37.1% as of November 6.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Current Conditions

Corpus Christi Reservoirs Fall to 37.1% Full

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The combined water level at Choke Canyon Reservoir and Lake Corpus Christi fell to 37.1% as of November 6, after July rains had lifted the two reservoirs to just over 40%. Lake Corpus Christi stood at 78.8% full on that date, while Choke Canyon had dropped to 20.9%.

Why it matters

Both reservoirs are fed by the Nueces and Frio rivers, and Lake Corpus Christi is the source of ready water that Corpus Christi draws on daily. The steady decline since late summer shows how quickly the region's water supply can shrink after a brief rain-driven recovery.

Choke Canyon has lost about 25,500 acre-feet over the last three months, and Lake Corpus Christi fell 7.8% in October and another 5% by November 6. The source does not indicate how much water remains in either reservoir in volume terms or when levels might stabilize.

The players

Choke Canyon Reservoir

Choke Canyon Reservoir is a large reservoir in South Texas that supplies water to the Coastal Bend region, including Corpus Christi.

Lake Corpus Christi

Lake Corpus Christi is a reservoir in South Texas that serves as a daily source of ready water for the city of Corpus Christi.

The details

Lake Corpus Christi hit a low of 8.3% in mid-April and Choke Canyon fell to 7.4% in mid-May before July's torrential rains raised the combined level above 40%. Since late summer both reservoirs have declined gradually, with Lake Corpus Christi reaching 91.7% in August, its highest level in five years, before falling to 78.8% by November 6.

Mid-April: Lake Corpus Christi reached its low of 8.3%.
Mid-May: Choke Canyon fell to 7.4% full.
July: Torrential rains brought the two reservoirs to just over 40% combined.
August: Lake Corpus Christi peaked at 91.7% full, its highest level in five years.
November 6: The combined western reservoir level stood at 37.1%.

Seasonal Patterns

The decline follows the recurring pattern in the Nueces River basin in which brief rain-driven recoveries, such as July's, are followed by steady drawdowns. The source does not provide a historical comparison of current levels to past years.

Residents who rely on Corpus Christi's water supply should monitor reservoir levels as they continue to decline. The source does not specify any conservation measures or official advisories at this time.

The takeaway

Reservoir levels can fall quickly after a rain-driven recovery, as the drop from over 40% in July to 37.1% in November shows. Tracking these figures helps residents understand how much supply remains as conditions change.