City of Beeville Water Conservation FAQ - Stage 4 – Critical Water Shortage Conditions
 

Q1: What is Stage 4 Water Conservation?  

A1: Stage 4 Water Conservation is the City’s highest level of drought response and is a set of required measures intended to reduce water usage during an emergency water shortage when water supplies are significantly below normal levels. The goal is to preserve water for essential public health and safety needs like drinking, sanitation, and firefighting. 

Q2: How is Stage 4 different from Stage 3? 

A2: Stage 4 represents the highest level of water restriction in the City of Beeville’s Drought Contingency Plan. It is triggered by emergency water shortage conditions. Stage 3 emphasizes increased water conservation and imposes limitations on certain water uses, with some uses potentially prohibited. Stage 4 goes further, enforcing additional mandatory restrictions and prohibiting many non-essential uses of potable water to safeguard public health and safety  

Q3: Why is Stage 4 being implemented now? 

A3: Stage 4 was activated due to an emergency water shortage caused by ongoing drought conditions. As of early October 2025, the combined lake levels have dropped below 13% capacity. Immediate action is needed to ensure water is available for essential services like hospitals, sanitation, and firefighting.  

Q4: When does Stage 4 Water Conservation go into effect?  

A4: Stage 4 is initiated when an emergency water shortage condition exists, when any of the following occur: 

1. The City of Corpus Christi declares emergency water shortage conditions, and production from Chase Wells cannot meet system demands. Or, 

2. The City’s water system is contaminated. Or, 

3. The City’s water system fails to produce water, whether from natural disaster or mechanical breakdown, or any other reason.  

Q5: What are the main restrictions under Stage 4 Water Conservation?  

A5: The primary restrictions include: 

• Restricted activities include: 

• Watering building foundations. 

• Washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, boats, or other mobile equipment. 

• Washing building exteriors or interiors, trailers, or railroad cars with potable water. 

• Using potable water to irrigate golf courses. 

• Prohibited activities include:  

• Using potable water in ornamental fountains or artificial waterfalls. 

• Washing down sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, or other hard surfaces. 

• Using potable water for dust control or other non-essential purposes. 

• Approving or installing new, expanded, or additional water service connections, meters, service lines, or mains until the emergency is lifted. 

Q6: Are there any exceptions to these restrictions?  

A6: If a property has a drilled water well, it is not subject to the city’s water restrictions. However, the well must be registered with the City of Beeville, and a visible sign must be posted indicating that the property is using well water. To register a water well for irrigation purposes only, please visit beevillewater.com. 

Q7: How can I help conserve water during Stage 4?  

A7: In addition to the above measures, here are some tips: 

• Use water only for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. 

• Reuse graywater where possible. 

• Delay all cleaning, landscaping, or non-essential projects. 

• Promptly repair leaks inside your home or business. 

Q8: Why is water conservation important during Stage 4?  

A8: Emergency restrictions ensure there is enough water pressure and supply to maintain essential city services, including hospitals, emergency response, and sanitation systems. 

Q9: What should businesses and industrial customers do to comply with Stage 4 restrictions?  

A9: All commercial, industrial, and institutional customers must eliminate non-essential uses, implement emergency conservation measures, and follow any allocation limits assigned by the city. 

Q10: How will I know if the restrictions change or if Stage 4 is lifted?  

A10: The City of Beeville will announce any changes through its website (beevilletx.org) and official Facebook page.  

Q11: Will I be billed a surcharge on my water bill?