Approximate Scale 



Figure 1 : The Nueces Delta. Generally depicted are open water (shaded) and tidally influenced areas. 

 Also shown are the overflow channels that were part of the Rincon Bayou Demonstration Project. Sources 

 of base map: Salas 1993. 



IH 37 (Bureau of Reclamation 2000). It is speculated that this material was intentionally placed in low portions 

 of the bank to reduce flooding of adjacent pastures, and was probably acquired from the road bridge renovation 

 during the late 1950's. 



Reservoir Consttuction in the Nueces Watershed 



Reservoir development in the Nueces Basin has primarily been initiated by the population centers along the 

 coast in efforts to secure a reliable freshwater supply. The fundamental objective of building such 

 impoundments was to capture large flood events in reservoirs instead of allowing the water to pass into the 

 bays. Stored water could then be released slowly for municipal and industrial consumption, thereby providing a 

 dependable freshwater supply for the community, especially during the periods of frequent drought. 



The largest of these communities is the City of Corpus Christi, which was incorporated in 1852. At that time, 

 its citizens obtained their domestic water from shallow wells, cisterns, and natural depressions existing in an 

 arroyo that ran through town. However, during drought conditions, the City often suffered from water 

 shortages when the cisterns and tanks became low or dry from lack of rainfall. Bay water was used to meet any 

 fire fighting needs. In 1887, a committee appointed by the City investigated the possibihty of obtaining an 

 adequate water supply from local ground water, but exploration drilling found the source to be brackish and 

 unsuitable for domestic purposes. 



Abandoning the idea of using local groundwater, the City looked to the Nueces River. In 1893, the City 

 finished construction of a steam-powered pumping station and distribution system that would provide raw 

 water to the City. The pumping station was located on the south bank of the Nueces River at Calallen, some 16 

 miles to the northwest of the City. To prevent saltwater from being pumped and distributed during low- flow 

 periods, the City constructed a temporary wooden dam (Calallen Dam) on the Nueces River just downstream 



Appendix C ^ C-3 



