This is only one example of water shortage in the USA
A Texas town is drilling for water to survive.
Mathis is moving fast to find water as the drought pushes Lake Corpus Christi to the brink.
Author: Michael Gibson (KIII tv 3, Corpus Christi)
Published: 6:32 PM CST February 18, 2026
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Mathis is racing against time to secure its water supply as drought conditions continue to strain Lake Corpus Christi.
City crews have begun drilling the first of two new groundwater wells near the Mathis water plant, just off FM 1068. Officials say the move is critical as lake levels continue to drop and the margin for error shrinks.
A test well is expected to be completed soon to determine whether the groundwater meets drinking water standards. City leaders anticipate the water will be somewhat salty, meaning it would likely be blended with existing lake water.
Mathis City Manager Cedric Davis says the city still has some time, but not much.
The last measurement showed the lake sitting about five to six feet above the city’s intake level, giving Mathis an estimated five to six months before conditions become critical.
Public Works Director Robert Tafolla says the city is also seeking state grant funding to install additional treatment equipment if groundwater use needs to increase.
If lake levels continue to fall, the city could install a filtration or reverse osmosis system to treat the well water before it enters the system.
Meanwhile, upgrades are underway at the water plant to prepare for the additional supply. Improvements include new generators, upgraded electrical wiring and repairs to the pier that supports the pumps pulling water from the lake.
City officials say the project remains on schedule, with both wells and the plant upgrades expected to be operational within the next 60 to 90 days.
Mathis is moving fast to find water as the drought pushes Lake Corpus Christi to the brink.
Author: Michael Gibson (KIII tv 3, Corpus Christi)
Published: 6:32 PM CST February 18, 2026
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City of Mathis is racing against time to secure its water supply as drought conditions continue to strain Lake Corpus Christi.
City crews have begun drilling the first of two new groundwater wells near the Mathis water plant, just off FM 1068. Officials say the move is critical as lake levels continue to drop and the margin for error shrinks.
A test well is expected to be completed soon to determine whether the groundwater meets drinking water standards. City leaders anticipate the water will be somewhat salty, meaning it would likely be blended with existing lake water.
Mathis City Manager Cedric Davis says the city still has some time, but not much.
The last measurement showed the lake sitting about five to six feet above the city’s intake level, giving Mathis an estimated five to six months before conditions become critical.
Public Works Director Robert Tafolla says the city is also seeking state grant funding to install additional treatment equipment if groundwater use needs to increase.
If lake levels continue to fall, the city could install a filtration or reverse osmosis system to treat the well water before it enters the system.
Meanwhile, upgrades are underway at the water plant to prepare for the additional supply. Improvements include new generators, upgraded electrical wiring and repairs to the pier that supports the pumps pulling water from the lake.
City officials say the project remains on schedule, with both wells and the plant upgrades expected to be operational within the next 60 to 90 days.
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