Deputy (and acting) city manager Margie C. Rose (left) with Corpus Christi Mayor Nelda Martinez at the May 25 daily briefing updating media on the boil water notice.
Expectations that the boil water notice in Corpus Christi would be lifted at 2 p.m. today, May 25, were dashed at the Mayor’s daily press conference. The announcement came with some good news: the end is in sight.
“We are making our way toward the end of this process,” said Mayor Nelda Martinez, after the press conference started about 15 minutes late. Deputy city manager Margie C. Rose, who is also serving as acting city manager and will be interim city manager as of July 24, explained the delay.
"At 2 p.m. we were informed that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is finalizing their evaluation," Rose said. "For the notice to be lifted, the water samples must meet the minimum chlorine levels and be free of bacteria."
A new chlorine disinfectant being pushed through the system reached all parts of the city yesterday, May 24. Samples were taken and turned over to TCEQ.
Meanwhile, residents affected by the boil water notice, have made their opinions known to elected officials, including a group that started an online petition. About 1,500 signatures were collected in six days demanding new management for the city water department.
One angry resident set up a petition signing table at a business on South Padre Island Drive to recall Mayor Martinez. According to election rules, petitioner Leah Tiner has 45 days to collect 16,500 signatures from eligible voters to get the recall on the ballot. She collected around 60 the first afternoon, but will need 366 a day over the next 45 days to make the required number.
Local businesses are showing the strain as well, particularly the city’s five Starbucks locations. Drive-in windows, which typically brings in the most business, are closed. The coffee shops are open, however, selling pre-packaged food and drinks as well as retail items. Customers are welcome to come in and use the free wi-fi.
Rose ended the brief press conference promising another announcement as soon as the boil water notice is lifted.
