Project News / Water
Corpus Christi voters approve drought surcharges for industrial water users
The citizen-initiated charter amendment sets surcharges of up to $12 per 1,000 gallons for major industrial customers during droughts and ends a 2018 exemption fee.
Corpus Christi voters approved Proposition B on Nov. 3, a citizen-initiated charter amendment that sets drought surcharges and curtailment rules for the city's largest industrial water customers. The measure passed by about two to one in unofficial results, and the city will canvass the vote on Nov. 17.
Under the amendment, industrial users would pay surcharges of $3 per 1,000 gallons when reservoir levels fall below 30%, $6 when they fall below 20%, and $12 during a water emergency. Current industrial rates are about $4.50 per 1,000 gallons.
The amendment also ends the city's Drought Surcharge Exemption Fee, adopted in 2018, which was projected to raise about $6M in fiscal 2026. The city must give notice within 30 days, and the termination takes effect after a five-year period.
The measure is aimed at major industrial customers, including the region's refineries and chemical plants.
City Manager Peter Zanoni expects legal challenges. Supporters said the measure drew more than 56,000 yes votes.
The vote does not cancel or award any construction project. It could affect water costs for proposed industrial facilities in a region that is planning major new water supply projects, including a proposed $6.4B Harbor Island desalination plant and pipeline network.
