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Corpus Christi Water Department
Lake Corpus Christi & Choke Canyon Reservoir
Lake Corpus Christi 

History 
Lake Corpus Christi was completed in 1958 with the construction of the Wesley Seale Dam. The reservoir was built by, and was owned by, the Lower Nueces Water Supply District, but it was operated by the City of Corpus Christi. The City assumed ownership in 1986 when the bonds were paid off. The Lower Nueces Water Supply District was then dissolved by the Texas Legislature. 

On March 2001, the Wesley Seale Dam north and south spillway stabilization project was completed. As a result, Lake Corpus Christi was allowed to resume full capacity of 94 feet in elevation. 

Major area rainfall occurring during the first two weeks of July 2002 allowed Lake Corpus Christi to resume full capacity. Public notification was issued in May 2002 to implement the 50 percent rule of the City's Drought management Plan. 

Statistics 
When full, the lake level is at 94' above sea level and stores 257,260 acre-feet of water. The bottom of the reservoir is at 55' above sea level. It has a surface area of 19,251 acres. 

The dam is composed of 3,580' of earthen embankment and two concrete spillways with a combined length of 2,400'. The spillways contain a total of 60 crest gates. The normal release of approximately 150 acre-feet of water per day, for operating purposes, is made through a 48" bypass pipe. The crest gates are only used when excessive water, such as during flood events, needs to be released.

Choke Canyon Reservoir 

History 
Choke Canyon Reservoir was completed in 1982 and filled for the first time in 1987. The reservoir was built by, and is owned by, the Bureau of Reclamation, but it is operated by the City of Corpus Christi. On July 11, 2002, Choke Canyon filled to 100% capacity based on inflows from the Frio River and San Miguel Creek. 

Statistics 
When full, the lake level is at 220.5' above sea level and stores 695,271 acre-feet of water. The bottom of the reservoir is at 132' above sea level. It has a surface area of 25,989 acres. 

The dam is composed of 18,504' of earthen embankment and 350' of concrete spillway. The spillway contains seven radial-arm crest gates. The normal release of 33 acre-feet of water per day, for operating purposes, is made through a 20" bypass pipe. There are two 60" tunnels that are used when greater releases are needed. The crest gates are only used when excessive water, such as during flood events, needs to be released. 

Regulations designed to protect the quality of water discharging into Lake Corpus Christi and Nueces River. 

 

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