Coastal refineries scramble for water as drought tightens supply

Corpus Christi’s refineries are racing to secure alternative water sources as a brewing drought could trigger a citywide water emergency, risking production slowdowns that could push gasoline and jet-fuel prices higher. Flint Hills Resources and ExxonMobil are pursuing options like wastewater reuse and other non-public sources after a planned desalination project was shelved; state leaders are speeding up water projects to avert shortages, while industry officials warn of ripple effects on regional jobs and national energy supply.