Corpus Christi Water says one of the city's main water supply lines is out of service after crews found a leak near the middle of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, pushing the city to rely more on alternate supplies, the Caller-Times reported.
Here's what to know
After crews discovered a leak near the midpoint of the Mary Rhodes Pipeline, the city took the line offline, Corpus Christi Water said in a Sept. 20 news release. The utility said its crews and contractors have been working continuously to figure out how extensive the problem is before repairs proceed.
The pipeline runs about 101 miles and carries water from Lake Texana and the Lower Colorado River to Corpus Christi for treatment and distribution.
The system can transport as much as 42,000 acre-feet a year from the lake and up to 35,000 acre-feet annually from the river. The pipeline was heavily relied upon.
More background
When a major line goes down, alternative sources can come under strain, and operational costs can rise.
Even when water continues flowing from the tap, utilities may be forced to rely on backup options that are less efficient or more limited.
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Breakdowns like this can push agencies into reactive repairs instead of the more affordable and dependable work of preventive planning.
That can leave residents indirectly absorbing the cost through future rate pressures and emergency repairs.
What's being done?
Before repairs can begin, Corpus Christi Water said workers are focused on making the area around the pipeline safe to access. The utility said crews have drained water from both the site and the pipeline so they can safely reach the excavation around the 64-inch line.
Once crews can access the area safely, they will evaluate the full extent of the issue and begin repairs.
While that work continues, Corpus Christi Water said it has boosted output from the Nueces Groundwater Wells and increased releases from the Wesley Seale Dam to the water treatment plant.
The September 20 news release also states, "Increased Nueces River flow and higher water levels will be observed during this period."
"Progress has been made in dewatering both the project site and the pipeline," the release states. "Once the excavation surrounding the 64" pipeline is safe to access, crews will determine the extent of the issue and begin repair operations."
Where can I learn more?
For more on the water pressures communities are facing, these stories look at Corpus Christi's recent water emergency, utility fee disputes, toxic leaks, and drought-era water demands elsewhere.
• In Corpus Christi, the city's water crisis offered a stark warning about supply strain.
• In Potosi, residents faced a $4,500 meter demand while fighting utility shutoff threats.
• In Grandfalls, an abandoned oil well leak spewed toxic wastewater near a church parking lot.
• In Utah, proposed data centers could suck water away from communities already facing drought.
• In Pennsylvania, a retiree lost water at home as heavy local usage drew outrage.
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