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By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times

A water quality expert who often works closely with environmental activist Erin Brockovich will come to Corpus Christi and examine the city's latest water issues.

Robert W. Bowcock founded Integrated Resource Management, Inc. in 1997. The Claremont, California firm specializes in water resource development, environmental compliance and project management and providing solutions to water, wastewater, and environmental issues in both the private and public sectors.

Residents reached out to Brockovich through social media, encouraging her to look into what is causing Corpus Christi's water problems.

"Corpus Christi ... I am happy to report that my water treatment expert, Bob Bowcock, is booked and on his way to Corpus Christi," Brockovich said in a post that appeared both on Facebook and her personal website. "We have spoke with City Councilman Chad (Magill) and are coordinating a series of meetings and on site visits in order to facilitate his investigation and make some recommendations."

Bowcock is expected to attend a special City Council meeting that has been set for Monday to discuss the water issues. Magill said he hoped giving Bowcock an intimate understanding of the problems in Corpus Christi would help him come up with answers.

"In our situation, citizens expect for each of us on the council to be open to anyone offering real solutions to the problem," said Magill, an at-large council member.

Magill said Bowcock is not being compensated or receiving a contract for his visit.

Mayor Nelda Martinez said the special meeting will provide updates for the council and the community, and provide an opportunity for the council to collectively ask questions and give direction.

The city on Thursday entered its seventh day under a water boil order. City officials have speculated the order may remain in place for another nine days.

On Thursday, officials instituted a free chlorine treatment to stabilize the city's system.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Bowcock also has served as a water utility manager for several communities in Southern California and has designed and built water treatment and distribution systems for various federal branches of government in Southeast Asia and South America.

Bowcock and Brockovich have teamed up on several occasions to probe environmental problems, chiefly those involving water. He most recently delved into issues concerning water quality in Flint, Michigan.

There was no immediate word on whether Brockovich, who could not be reached, would also visit Corpus Christi. Bowcock was expected to arrive in Corpus Christi Sunday evening and will be in town through Tuesday.

It was Brockovich's investigation in the 1990s that uncovered proof that Pacific Gas & Electric had been poisoning the small town of Hinkley, California for decades by leaking toxic Chromium 6 into the groundwater. Her research resulted in a lawsuit against the utility company ended with the largest toxic tort injury settlement of $333 million in damages. Her story ultimately became an Oscar-winning movie starring Julia Roberts.

Kirsten Crow contributed to this report.

Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam