CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi has issued 1,087 fines related to its drought contingency plan between April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026, according to data obtained through a public information request.
Fines peaked in the summer and fall, likely reflecting when Stage 3 restrictions took effect and the summer heat driving residents to water anyway.
The four most common violations were:
- Prohibited lawn watering under Stage 3
- Water in the gutter
- Watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Prohibited irrigation under Stage 3
Nearly half of the fines have been dismissed in court.
Drought citations: Data breakdown
Source: Ch. 55, Art. XII; Drought Contingency Plan, March 2025, Sections 7, 10.2–10.4, 13
Total drought-related charges: 1,087 | Unique citations: 803
Charges by offense
| Offense | Count | DCP/Code authority |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited lawn watering – Stage 3 | 573 | DCP §10.4; §7 non-essential use |
| Water in gutter | 253 | DCP §7 non-essential use |
| Watering 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 111 | DCP §10.4 |
| Prohibited irrigation – Stage 3 | 91 | DCP §10.4; §7 |
| Wrong day – Stage 1 or 2 | 18 | DCP §§10.2–10.3 |
| Prohibited vehicle washing – Stage 3 | 12 | DCP §7 non-essential use |
| Foundation watering wrong day – Stage 3 | 8 | DCP §10.4 |
| Prohibited vehicle washing – Emergency Level 1 or 2 | 8 | DCP §10.5 |
| Prohibited constantly flowing water | 5 | DCP §7 |
| Water spraying paved surface | 3 | DCP §7 non-essential use |
| Foundation watering wrong day – Stage 1, 2, 3 | 3 | DCP §§10.2–10.4 |
| Failure to post watering permit – Stage 3 | 1 | DCP §10.4 |
| Improper use of fire hydrant | 1 | DCP §7 non-essential use |
Corpus Christi has been under drought restrictions since June 2022. Stage 3 restrictions began in December 2024.
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